HC Deb 10 July 2002 vol 388 cc965-6W
20. Mr. Goodman

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the role of the Loyalist Commission. [65818]

Dr. John Reid

It is not for me to define the role of the Loyalist Commission. That is something for members of the Commission itself. I can say that I welcomed the statement issued by the Commission on 14 June 2002 which contained guidelines on reducing the tension and violence experienced by both communities over recent weeks and months. This was a positive step and I would urge everyone to give this initiative their most careful consideration, and act accordingly.

I also had a frank and useful exchange of views with members of the Commission on 1 July.