§ Rev. Ian PaisleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the policy of the Northern Ireland Department of Education in respect of whether the national anthem is sectarian. [37362]
§ Mr. AncramThe Government's policy remains that the national anthem should be played on ceremonial occasions. Its use on other occasions is a matter for the relevant authorities in each case.
§ Rev. Ian PaisleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on what grounds the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland issued instructions that the national anthem should not be played when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visited Northern Ireland to open the new Lagan bridge in Belfast. [37360]
§ Sir John WheelerNo instructions were issued either by the Department of the Environment or my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State.