§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the undertakings given by the RUC to the mediation network and residents of Garvaghy road for 1995 to the effect that there would not be a similar march on the same route in 1996. [35294]
§ Sir John Wheeler[holding answer 2 July 1996]: I understand no such undertakings were given by the RUC to mediation network or the residents of Garvaghy road.
§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions he has had with the RUC about the re-routing of Orange order marches in Portadown away from predominantly nationalist areas. [35293]
§ Sir John Wheeler[holding answer 2 July 1996]: Whilst my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State is regularly briefed on the security situation, the routing of parades is an operational matter for the RUC and he is not routinely briefed in detail in relation to the routes to be taken for individual marches.
§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what factors preclude the July Orange march to Drumcree following the 1985 route by Obins street. [35300]
§ Sir John Wheeler[holding answer 2 July 1996]: The RUC assess each parade under the terms of the Public Order (Northern Ireland) Order 1987 and impose conditions or re-route if they consider it appropriate.
§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will meet representatives of the Garvaghy road residents coalition to discuss the rerouting of the Orange order march away from Garvaghy road on 7 July. [35292]
§ Sir John Wheeler[holding answer 2 July 1996]: The routing of parades is an operational matter for the RUC and a meeting with the Secretary of State is unlikely to be of benefit at this time. I understand that the RUC both at headquarters and at local level have met representatives of the local residents and that a further meeting is planned.