§ Mr. Robert McCartneyTo ask the Prime Minister if he will make it his policy that no information from the Patten Commission on policing which is not in the public domain will be shared with(a) any other Government and (b) any private group. [77583]
§ The Prime MinisterThe Commission on Policing is independent. Its terms of reference, set out in the Good Friday Agreement, require it to "consult widely and to report no later than Summer 1999". It is not for the Government to say what the Commission should discuss or with whom. The Commission's report will be made844W public in its entirety and implementation of its recommendations will be discussed with the political parties and the Irish Government.
§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when she expects the Patten report on policing in Northern Ireland to be published. [76739]
§ Mr. IngramThe Belfast Agreement states that the Independent Commission on Policing should report no later than the Summer of 1999. The Government look forward to receiving the report, which is expected within the timescale established by the Agreement.