HC Deb 03 March 1998 vol 307 cc528-9W
Mr. William Ross

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the names of the members of Parades Commission since its establishment, the dates of their appointments and where appropriate resignations, the length of the normal period of service and the salaries to be paid to the Chairman and to each member. [32256]

Mr. Ingram

On 26 March 1997 the previous Government appointed Mr. Alistair Graham as Chairman, and Mr. David Hewitt, Rev. Roy Magee, Mr. Frank Guckian and Mrs. Berna McIvor as members of the Parades Commission. The appointments were for a period of two years. Rev. Magee resigned with effect from 31 December 1997 and Mrs. McIvor with effect from 18 February 1998.

On 19 February 1998 my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State appointed Mr. Alistair Graham as Chairman of the Parades Commission for a period of one year. She also appointed as members Mr. David Hewitt and Mr. Frank Guckian for a period of one year; and Mr. Tommy Cheevers, Mr. Glen Barr, Mr. Aidan Canavan and Mrs. Rose Anne McCormick for a period of two years. The Chairman of the Parades Commission receives remuneration of £30,000 per annum, which is paid to his employer; and each of the members £25,000 per annum.

Mr. William Ross

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the sums paid to date to each member by the Parades Commission and under such headings as may be convenient other sums paid to such members which have arisen in respect of their work. [32257]

Mr. Ingram

In the period 26 March 1997 to 26 January 1998, the Chairman of the Parades Commission received remuneration of £11,750. In the same period two of the three members who are paid on a monthly basis, received £20,833 each, and the third, £18,750; while the other, who is paid on a quarterly basis, also received £18,750. The amount paid to the Chairman is relatively low because payment is made on the basis of invoices received from his employer. In the same period, a total of £6,963 was paid to the Chairman and members by way of travel, subsistence and other incidental expenses.