Final Report > Chapter 2: The Conduct of the Inquiry > Features of a Public Inquiry

Features of a Public Inquiry

Independence

2 A Public Inquiry is set up by a relevant government department and funded by that department. Once established, however, it is expected by the public to act independently. Moreover, it is represented, and represents itself, as being independent. Independence includes necessarily being independent of government.

3 While this may appear to suggest the possibilities of tension, whether in the working of the Inquiry, or in its capacity to speak its mind in its conclusions and recommendations, we experienced no such tension. When we asked for assistance, it was given promptly by government and, in the great majority of cases, by other public bodies. We pursued whatever lines of enquiry we thought important, sought whatever material we thought relevant, and reached whatever views we thought appropriate.