asked Her Majesty's Government:

What was meant by the spokesman for the Northern Ireland Office quoted in the Irish News of 29 April concerning the appointment of the chairman of the Bill of Rights Forum in saying the appointment was in line with relevant guidance; what was that guidance; and whether they will place in the Library of the House copies of all related documentation. [HL3399]

I refer the noble Lord to my Written Answer of 3 March 2008, Official Report, col. WA 160, in which I said that the Bill of Rights Forum is classed, according to guidance from the Cabinet Office, as a non-statutory, ad hoc advisory group.

This guidance is available on the Cabinet Office website at http://www.civilservice.gov.uk/about/public/appointments.asp.