HC Deb 24 July 2000 vol 354 cc441-2W
Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Hull, North of 17 July 2000,Official Report, column 18W, (1) what definition he uses of public concern; and how he was informed of those public concerns; [132036]

(2) what representations he has received from members of the public who are concerned about police membership of Opus Dei; and if he will place copies of them in the Library; [132034]

(3) if he will list the religious organisations he consulted when drafting clause 49 (registration of associations) of the Police (Northern Ireland) Bill; [132033]

(4) if he will make a statement on his policy in respect of the inclusion of (a) the Legion of Mary, (b) St. Vincent de Paul, (c) Guild of Catholic Mothers, (d) St. Joseph Young Priests Society, (e) Society of St. Gregory, (f) Thomas Merton Society, (g) Catholic Women's League, (h) the Irish National Foresters and (i) the Jesuits from clause 49 (Registration of associations) of the Police (Northern Ireland) Bill; [132070]

(5) what criteria he applied in selecting the registrable associations listed in Clause 49 of Police (Northern Ireland) Bill; [132124]

(6) if he will require members of internal organisations of (a) the Church of Ireland, (b) Presbyterian, (c) Methodist, (d) Free Presbyterian and (e) other churches to declare their membership of such organisations when applying to the Police Service of Northern Ireland. [132125]

Mr. Ingram

The Government's decisions on registrable associations were made in the light of the recommendation and principles set out in chapter 15 of the Patten Report, and the list of organisations given in the NI Affairs Committee Report of 8 July 1998. As I said in Standing Committee B on the Police (NI) Bill, 29 June 2000,Official Report, column 336, the issue is not about membership per se but is "largely one of perception". For example, as reflected in submissions to the Commission and Government and by the amendment tabled by Members of Parliament in Committee.

We have not been made aware of public concern surrounding organisations other than those listed, but the clause contains a provision that would enable the Secretary of State to amend the list.

The Government have met representatives of Opus Dei and are considering the points put to it about their inclusion.