§ Mr. Robert McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps her Department is taking to ensure the inclusion of Northern Ireland in the Government's proposed legislation on the funding of political parties. [22808]
§ Marjorie MowlamAs my hon. and learned Friend will be aware the Committee on Standards in Public Life—formally the Nolan Committee, now the Neill Committee—has been asked by the Prime Minister to undertake a wide-ranging investigation into the funding of political parties. Northern Ireland will be included in this. My officials will also be keeping in contact with colleagues in the Home Office regarding Government's legislative proposals. We welcome submissions from political parties and other interested groups.