Northern Ireland Questions

HC Deb 03 November 1998 vol 318 c484W

Mr. McNamara

To ask the President of the Council if she will make a statement on future handling of Northern Ireland questions following the permanent establishment of a Northern Ireland Assembly. [56401]

Mrs. Beckett

The establishment of the Northern Ireland Assembly will reduce the direct responsibilities of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and consequently the matters for which she is accountable to the House. I have no immediate plans to alter the arrangements for Northern Ireland questions. The Procedure Committee is conducting an inquiry into the procedural consequences of devolution and this is one of the subjects I expect them to address. I will be giving evidence to that Committee soon.