13. Mr. Gareth R. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on arrangements for the first meeting of the Northern Ireland assembly. [44752]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyI refer my hon. Friend to the oral reply I gave earlier today to my hon. Friends the Members for Stretford and Urmston (Ms Hughes) and for Birmingham, Edgbaston (Ms Stuart).
§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps the Government are taking to ensure maximum participation in the assembly election. [44740]
§ Marjorie MowlamOver 80 per cent. turnout for the referendum suggests a high turnout for the consequential Assembly elections. The Government sent every household in Northern Ireland a copy of the Agreement and an information leaflet stating where, when and how to vote for the New Assembly elections. Additionally, advertisements were placed in Northern Ireland newspapers on 24 and 25 May with details of application procedures for absent votes.