§ 22. Mr. PoundTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on progress to help reduce tensions over disputed parades in Northern Ireland. [32151]
§ Mr. IngramAs my hon. Friend will know, the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 is now is force. The Act is designed to tackle the difficulties that have surrounded the parades issue in Norther Ireland in recent years, by establishing the Parades Commission as an independent body with a remit to encourage and facilitate local accommodation on contentious parades. Where this is not possible, the Commission will have power to make legally binding determinations on such parades, which may include conditions as to numbers, route etc.