HL Deb 02 March 1999 vol 597 cc175-6WA
Lord Hogg of Cumbernauld

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What arrangements have been made for a ceremony to mark the opening of the Scottish Parliament. [HL1090]

Lord Macdonald of Tradeston

In October 1998, an opening ceremony working group was set up to advise and assist the Scottish Office with the arrangements for the formal opening ceremony. This group includes representatives from Buckingham Palace and the services as well as the Lord Lyon King of Arms and others with a relevant interest. More recently an events co-ordinator was appointed to organise a number of events to surround the formal ceremony. Plans for the formal ceremony and the surrounding events are now being developed through discussions with the relevant parties and will be announced when these discussions are complete.

Lord Hogg of Cumbernauld

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Which organisations, individuals and holders of traditional and hereditary offices have been consulted on the form of ceremony that should mark the official opening of the Scottish Parliament. [HL1091]

Lord Macdonald of Tradeston

The opening ceremony working group which was set up to advise and assist the Scottish Office with the arrangements for the official opening ceremony has been the main focus of consultation on the form of the ceremony. This group includes representatives from Buckingham Palace, the Armed Services, the City of Edinburgh Council, Lothian and Borders Police, and the Scottish Arts Council among others. The Lord Lyon King of Arms who is responsible for all ceremonial matters in Scotland is also a member of the group as is the Comptroller of the Lord Chamberlain's Office.