HL Deb 02 July 2003 vol 650 cc99-100WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will place in the Library of the House, and on the North/South Ministerial Council's website, all documents relating to North/ South Ministerial decisions since 15 October 2002; and whether they will ensure that they are placed in a way that documents the steps taken by all parties to adhere to the process entitled Ministerial Decision Making Interim Procedures of 5 December 2002 and the letter from the Northern Ireland Secretary of State to David Trimble MP of 19 December 2002. [HL3138]

The Lord President of the Council (Lord Williams of Mostyn)

The papers relating to the decisions made up to 30 April 2003 under the exchange of notes of 19 November 2002 have been placed in the Library. Arrangements are also being made to have these papers made available on the North/South Ministerial Council's website.

These papers were progressed in line with the procedures set out in the Interim Procedures where appropriate. I can assure the noble Lord that they have been progressed in a manner which fulfils commitments given by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in his letter of 19 December 2002 to the right honourable David Trimble MP.

Papers relating to any further decisions made after 30 April 2003 under the exchange of notes will be placed in the Library on a regular basis.