HL Deb 19 March 1998 vol 587 cc220-2WA
Lord McConnell

asked Her Majesty's Government:

On what basis it was decided which Northern Ireland peers should be invited to the recent demonstration in the Palace of Westminster by the Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture. [HL934]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office (Lord Dubs)

Officials from the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland demonstrated their computerised cattle traceability system in the Palace of Westminster on 19 February.

Members of this House with Northern Ireland links were identified and received invitations to the demonstration. Unfortunately, due to an administrative error, a number of peers did not receive an invitation, including the noble Lord.

The Department of Agriculture is in the process of arranging another demonstration of the system, to take place before the Easter Recess, and will invite those peers not included in the previous demonstration to attend.