§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what factors underlay the decision to look at alternative venues to Parliament building, Stormont for traditional 21-gun salutes to mark royal anniversaries; and if he will make a statement. [95342]
§ Mr. IngramGun salutes are fired by the Army to honour various anniversaries connected with members of the Royal family. As the Crown and Armed Forces remain excepted (i.e. non-devolved) matters under the Northern Ireland Act 1998, it is felt that it might be more appropriate for future salutes to be fired at a location other than Stormont, which is effectively transferred to the890W Northern Ireland Assembly under the Act. Alternative locations are being considered but no final decisions have yet been taken.