HL Deb 16 March 2000 vol 610 cc230-1WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 29 February (WA 62), why the Foreign and Commonwealth Office answers for that policy area. [HL1433]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office consulted other government departments, including the Cabinet Office and the Northern Ireland Office before replying to this Question. Among factors taken into account in giving the previous answer on 29 February were the Government's overall policy towards marking anniversaries of this kind; the current political situation in Northern Ireland; and our relations with the Irish Government. The last of these factors explains why the FCO took the lead in answering this question.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What support and advice has been offered to the range of organisations in the Irish Republic which are proposing to mark the bicentenary of the Act of Union between Great Britain and Ireland which created the United Kingdom. [HL1409]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

We have not been approached by, nor are aware of, any organisations in the Irish Republic who are proposing to mark the bicentenary of the Act of Union.