HC Deb 23 July 1996 vol 282 cc255-6W
Mr. Robert McCartney

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will take steps in consultation with the Home Office to have Northern Ireland included in the extent of the proposed law on stalking. [38293]

Sir John Wheeler

On 9 July, the Home Office and Lord Chancellor's Departments jointly published a consultation paper, "Stalking—The Solutions", which addresses the problems posed by stalking in England and Wales and proposes measures to deal with the menace. As the consultation paper states, my right hon. and learned Friend intends to publish a separate paper which will address circumstances in Northern Ireland, including the relevant civil and criminal law. The extent of any new legislation which might arise, and the means by which it might be implemented, will obviously depend on comments received on the consultation papers in the two jurisdictions. I will, however, bear the hon. and learned Gentleman's request in mind.