HC Deb 20 October 1999 vol 336 c596W
Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what further talks have taken place about preparations for a British-Irish Council. [92980]

Mr. Mandelson

All preparations are now in place for the British-Irish Council and the other institutions created by the Good Friday Agreement. The Council will be established immediately on entry into force of the British-Irish Agreement. This will coincide with the devolution of powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly.