Northern Ireland Assembly Elections

HC Deb 05 June 1998 vol 313 cc369-70W

Mr. Martlew

To ask the Prime Minister if he will issue guidance on the conduct of Government business during the election campaign for the Northern Ireland Assembly. [44924]

The Prime Minister

The business of Government must, of course, continue during the election campaign period, including the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement now endorsed in the referendums. Nevertheless, it is important that the Government conduct business in a way which does not interfere with the electoral contest between the participating candidates and parties.

With that in mind, I have endorsed the issue of guidance to Government Ministers and Departments in Northern Ireland and I am arranging for copies to be placed in the Libraries of the House.