HL Deb 15 March 2004 vol 659 cc10-1WA
Baroness Anelay of St Johns

asked Her Majesty's Government:

On how many occasions the Victims Advisory Panel has met since March 2003. [HL1420]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

The Victims Advisory Panel has met on five occasions, most recently on 3 February 2004. In additon, lay and co-opted members were invited to an awayday in York in October 2003. The next meeting of the panel will be in June 2004.

Baroness Anelay of St Johns

asked Her Majesty's Government:

On how many occasions since March 2003 the Victims Advisory Panel has reported directly to the Home Secretary; and whether its reports are printed or presented to Parliament by a government Minister. [HL1422]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

My right honourable friend the Home Secretary met lay members and representatives of victim organisations at the very first meeting of the panel in March 2003. The Home Secretary is represented at panel meetings by myself.

As an advisory non-departmental public body (NDPB) the Victims Advisory Panel is required to produce an annual report. The panel's first annual report will be published at the end of April 2004, and will give details of the issues it has discussed during its first full year of operation.