HC Deb 27 March 1986 vol 94 cc1054-5
2. Mr. Bell

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations have been made through the Inter-Governmental Conference concerning the repeal of the Flags and Emblems (Display) Act 1954.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr. Nicholas Scott)

The Irish side put forward views and proposals about the Flags and Emblems (Display) Act 1954 at the meeting of the Intergovernmental Conference on 10 January. The Government responded at the conference meeting on 11 March.

Mr. Bell

The Flags and Emblems (Display) Act 1954 has been irrelevant for a long time. Although a statement was made by the Government during the discussions to which the Minister referred that there is no such thing as joint authority and that decisions will not be taken on a joint authority basis, will he nevertheless assure the House that this legislation will be repealed during the next parliamentary Session?

Mr. Scott

No. We shall have to consult widely within Northern Ireland about any proposals that are made for a draft order which might include proposals relating to the Flags and Emblems (Display) Act 1954. It is worth being very clear about the Act, which I know has a symbolic effect on both sides of the community in Northern Ireland. It does not ban the flying of the tricolour in Northern Ireland, although there is widespread misapprehension that that is the case. However, it gives special protection to the Union flag in Northern Ireland, which evidently is not considered to be necessary in Great Britain. There is some argument at least for saying that we ought to move towards greater parity of treatment in this matter between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

Mr. Cash

On the question of the scrutiny of legislation and the procedures that are available in the context of Northern Ireland, will my hon. Friend consider the proposal that has been made for a Select Committee and whether that might provide a forum within which matters such as legislation could be dealt with, having regard to the need to have a round table discussion between hon. Members within the context of the Union as a whole?

Mr. Scott

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has said in her letter to the Unionist leaders that she is anxious to talk to them and to discuss what kind of mechanisms might be appropriate for discussions on a wide range of matters in Northern Ireland, not only those that are concerned with the Anglo-Irish agreement. Ministers in Northern Ireland regret very much that the arrangements for consultation between them and the Assembly are not working at the moment because of the refusal of the Assembly to carry out its statutory duties.