§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton on 5 December (WA126) concerning the North/South Ministerial Council, under what legislation any reports and statements will be laid before Parliament. [HL630]
§ Lord Williams of MostynAs explained in the Answer given on 5 December (WA126), the agreement between the British and Irish Governments contained in an exchange of letters on 19 November provides that any reference in the implementation bodies agreement to the Assembly shall be read as a reference to the United Kingdom Parliament. Where the agreement provides for reports and statements to be laid before the Assembly, such reports and statements, are during suspension, to be laid before Parliament. That will become a statutory requirement when the agreement made by the exchange of letters is incorporated into the domestic law of Northern Ireland by designation under paragraph 10 of the schedule to the Northern Ireland Act 2000. That designation will shortly be made by the Secretary of State.