Schedule 2 - Judicial Appointments Commission
Justice (Northern Ireland) Bill
12:00 pm
Mr Des Browne (Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Northern Ireland Office; Kilmarnock and Loudoun, Labour)
The hon. and learned Gentleman is right; the point is simple but important, which is why it is covered in paragraph 5(4). It states that
''an annual report must not identify any person or include information from which the identity of any person could be readily ascertained''.
I am sure that that adequately covers his point.
I shall answer the question posed by the hon. Member for Cheadle (Mrs. Calton) in as few words as possible, because I am conscious of the time and know that hon. Members want to make progress. Indeed, it has been urged upon me that we should do so.
There is deep concern that some parts of Northern Ireland feel under-represented in public bodies. We recognise that the concept of trying to collate information about which part of Northern Ireland people consider themselves to be most closely associated with is difficult, but the provision is an attempt to do so in the context of the report. We want to collect information to see whether there is a factual basis to support the concern, and if necessary to take steps to address it.
I hope the hon. Lady is satisfied with that and will withdraw the amendment.