§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what correspondence he has received from outgoing members of the Parades Commission; and if he will place copies in the Library. [101889]
§ Mr. IngramNo such correspondence has been received.
§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for what reason he is to review the workings of the Parades Commission; what are the terms of reference of this review; what organisations and individuals have been consulted over the terms of reference; and what body has been appointed to conduct the review. [101887]
§ Mr. IngramOn 8 October the previous Secretary of State announced a review of the workings of the Parades Commission. The terms of reference are
Within the existing framework of law and structures, and taking account of views received from interested parties and the experience of the marching seasons over the last two years, to considerpossible ways of achieving even greater acceptance of the approach to handling contentious parades; and, in particular,the arrangements for mediation;and to report to Ministers by the end of December 1999".As part of the announcement the Secretary of State made a general invitation for contributions from any interested parties. Subsequently a wide range of interested parties have been specifically invited to contribute.
Officials from my Security Policy and Operations Division have been asked to conduct the review.