asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Rooker on 25 March (WA 97) concerning the use of words which are related to Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, when is a public consultation judged to be “appropriate”; by whom; and how the judgment is made. [HL2943]

Decisions on public consultations are made in line with Cabinet Office guidance. A copy of the Code of Practice on Consultation has been placed in the Library of the House.