§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on his responsibilities in relation to vacancies among the membership of the Northern Ireland Assembly and the method proposed for filling the vacancy in Strangford. [145789]
§ Mr. MandelsonUnder Article 6 of the New Northern Ireland Assembly (Elections) Order 1998, vacancies can be filled without a by-election if a substitute has been nominated. In the absence of such a person the Chief Electoral Officer is required to inform the Presiding Officer of the need for a by-election.