§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the(a) states and (b) cities of the United States which introduced legislation seeking to implement the MacBride Principles following representations from Her Majesty's Government not to do so, indicating (i) whether the representations were made (a) in writing and (b) verbally and (ii) whether there was an inquiry where witnesses were subject to cross-examination and in which years; and which states and cities decided not to implement such legislation following representations from Her Majesty's Government. [55632]
§ Mr. IngramInformation in the form requested is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if it is currently the policy of Her Majesty's Government to advise states and cities in the United States against legislating to implement the MacBride Principles. [55631]
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§ Mr. IngramYes, where possible and appropriate. The Government's view is that Fair Employment legislation in Northern Ireland renders unnecessary any reference to the MacBride Principles in legislation in the USA. Furthermore, the way in which the campaign in support of MacBride Principles is conducted could be a disincentive to the investment from the United States needed to reduce unemployment in both communities in Northern Ireland.