§ Lord Ormeasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will issue guidance on the conduct of government business during the election campaign for the Northern Ireland assembly. [HL2137]
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Lord Richard)The business of government must, of course, continue during the election campaign period, including the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement now endorsed in the referendums. Nevertheless, it is important that the Government conduct business in a way which does not interfere with the electoral contest between the participating candidates and parties.
With that in mind, my right honourable friend the Prime Minister has endorsed the issue of guidance to government Ministers and departments in Northern Ireland and he is arranging for copies to be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.