§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answers by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 16 March (WA 230–1) and 5 April, (WA 134) whether it is now their policy to take note of the views of the Republic of Ireland's government in issues that reflect the history and culture of the whole of the United Kingdom; and whether they consider that their views in such matters have been sufficiently taken into account by the Government of the Republic of Ireland. [HL1938]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Scotland of Asthal)It is the long established practice of the Government to exchange views with all its international partners on a wide range of issues on the basis of mutual understanding.
§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will be represented at the events in the Republic of Ireland designed to mark the bicentenary in 2001 of the creation of the United Kingdom; and, if so, by whom. [HL1874]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalThe Ambassador in Dublin plans to attend a British-Irish Association seminar on "The Act of Union: 200 years on" which will take place in Dublin in May 2000. We are not aware of any other relevant events taking place in Ireland.