Written question asked by Eddie McGrady (Social Democratic & Labour Party) on Tuesday, 13 February 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 1 March 2001. It was answered by George Howarth (Labour) on Thursday, 1 March 2001 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what resources have been provided to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission for the public consultation about the scope of the Bill of Rights. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what resources have been provided to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission for the public consultation about the scope of the Bill of Rights. [150645] Mr. George Howarth: The annual budget of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission was initially set at £750,000, three times that of the Commission's predecessor, to reflect its increased powers and functions. The consultation on the scope for a Bill of Rights was envisaged as an integral part of the Commission's functions and resources for the consultation have therefore been provided within the Commission's core budget. However, we made clear from the outset that we would be prepared to consider bids for increased funding, provided they were accompanied by a properly costed business case. The Commission's first bid for additional funds--including for the consultation on the scope for a Bill of Rights--was received during the Christmas break. It is currently under consideration, and we hope to meet the Commission shortly to discuss their bid more fully.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 150645; 363 c763W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Civil liberties Bill of Rights Finance Human rights Northern Ireland Public opinion Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk