§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why they are not allowing the statutory committees of the Northern Ireland Assembly to discuss the effects of the Anglo-Irish Agreement upon the departments of the Northern Ireland Government in accordance with established procedures; and whether they will permit the Permanent Secretaries to submit evidence in writing.
500WA
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office (Lord Lyell)The Secretary of State has offered to talk to Assembly members about the impact of the Anglo-Irish Agreement on the work of the Northern Ireland departments because he understands their concern and would like to clear up a number of misconceptions. He believes it would be inappropriate for departmental officials to discuss a matter of such a political character. He remains ready to do so.