§ Mr. MurphyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to review the Hurd principles on security vetting procedure; and if he will make a statement. [20322]
§ Sir John WheelerIt has been Government policy, as set out in the parliamentary written answer of 27 June 1985,Official Report, column 451, by the then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, to withhold Government assistance from community groups where the Secretary of State was satisfied that there was a grave risk that such assistance would have the effect of improving the standing or furthering the aims of a paramilitary organisation, whether directly or indirectly. This policy is kept under active review in the light of wider developments in Northern Ireland.