§ Mr. MullinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken to implement the measures outlined in the Government's response to the Third Report of the Home Affairs Committee Session 1996–97, on Freemasonry in the Police and Judiciary; if he will set his proposed timetable for any remaining steps; and if he will make a statement. [52917]
§ Mr. MichaelI wrote to the United Grand Lodge of the Freemasons on 27 March, requesting the Freemasons Society to disclose names of its members working within those professions and occupations listed in the Government's response to the Third Report. The United Grand Lodge replied on 24 April without providing this information. On 11 May, I wrote to the United Grand Lodge informing the Freemasons that the Government would press on with the process of implementing their policy of declaration and registration. The categories in relation to which the Government are currently considering implementation of its policy are: police; all members of the Judiciary, including the lay magistracy; Crown Prosecution Service legally qualified staff; Probation; Prison Service; Coroners; and members of police authorities.
Since May, officials have been discussing the mechanics of how to implement this policy, including a timetable for establishing a voluntary register and its format. The first step in the implementation process is the collation of names of serving office-holders and employees. This has already begun. As far as new office-holders and employees are concerned, including those transferring to new posts, relevant Departments are considering how to revise their recruitment procedures in order to meet the terms of the Government's policy. This process will continue in parallel with the implementation of arrangements for serving office-holders and employees.