HL Deb 28 November 2002 vol 641 cc67-8WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 6 November (WA 172) about the North/ South Ministerial Council, what issues relating to Tha Boord o' Ulstèr Scotch were discussed at the North/South Ministerial Council meeting which was held on 9 October; and why the boord was not informed about these discussions. [HL65]

The Lord Williams of Mostyn

I would like to correct my Answer to the noble Lord of 6 November. No issues relating to Tha Boord o' Ulstèr Scotch were discussed at the North/South Ministerial Council meeting on 9 October. Information on the Language Sector issue discussed at that meeting was communicated to the noble Lord on 6 November in a letter from the joint secretaries.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answers by the Lord Privy Seal on 7 November (WA 170 and WA 171–172), whether the word "North" refers to the most northerly county of the island of Ireland, Donegal; and, if not, why are the component parts of the council not referred to by their legal titles. [HL90]

The Lord Williams of Mostyn

The term "North" where it appears in the Answers referred to by the noble Lord relates to Northern Ireland.

By accepted usage, the two jurisdictions in which the North/South Ministerial Council exercises its functions are sometimes referred to by their legal titles and at other times by reference to less formal nomenclature.