HC Deb 02 July 2003 vol 408 cc331-2W
Sir Brian Mawhinney

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what arrangements are in place to fund the erection of blue commemorative plaques in Northern Ireland; and how these arrangements differ from those in England; [111636]

(2) what the policy and criteria are for the erection of blue plaques to commemorate distinguished citizens in their native localities; [111628]

(3) what the average cost was of erecting a blue commemorative plaque in the last 12 months; [111619]

(4) what plans he has to involve interested parties in developing the blue plaques scheme to mark the diversity of Northern Ireland's cultural heritage; [111634]

(5) how many blue commemorative plaques were erected in each of the last five years; and, for each year, what the cost was to public funds. [111622]

Angela Smith

There are currently no arrangements in place to fund the erection of blue commemorative plaques in Northern Ireland. The Government have no plans at present to introduce such a scheme.

I would also refer the right hon. Member to the reply given to him by my hon. Friend the Member for Dudley, South (Mr. Pearson) (111635).