§ Mr. MallonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) when he was informed by the Chief Constable of the decisions to (i) prevent and (ii) allow the Orange parade which marched down Garvaghy road on 11 July; [1767]
(2) what consultations he had with the Chief Constable of the RUC regarding the decision to prevent the passage of an Orange parade along Garvaghy road, and what subsequent consultation he had with the Chief Constable prior to the decision to permit the passage of the parade; [1768]
(3) if he will publish the directions issued by the Chief Constable in relation to the Orange parade at Garvaghy road, Portadown between 6 and 11 July. [1770]
§ Sir John Wheeler[holding answer 6 November 1996]: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the statement made in the House by my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State on 15 July Official Report, columns 787–90, which set out the events surrounding the parade at Drumcree, and to the Chief Constable's BBC interview of the previous day referred to in that statement, a copy of which is in the Library.
§ Mr. MallonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consideration he gave to making an order under article 5 of the Public Order (Northern Ireland) Order 1987 in respect of circumstances on the Garvaghy road between 6 and 11 July; what advice he sought on this matter; and on what basis a decision was made not to issue any such order. [1769]
§ Sir John Wheeler[holding answer 6 November 1996]: My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State did not make an order under article 5 of the Public Order (Northern Ireland) Order 1987 because the Chief Constable did not advise him to do so.
§ Mr. MallonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations were made to him during the period 6 to 11 July regarding unwillingness of members of the RUC to enforce the directions of the Chief Constable made on 6 July. [1771]
§ Sir John Wheeler[holding answer 6 November 1996]: None.