HL Deb 09 January 2003 vol 642 c236WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 9 December (WA4) concerning the North/South Ministerial Council, which part of the title of the Council "North and South" refers to the administration in the most northerly part of the island of Ireland; and whether those titles "North and South" are appropriate. [HL632]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The title of the North/South Ministerial Council is used to embrace the Northern Ireland administration and that of the Republic of Ireland. The words "North and "South" both in the title and common, well-understood usage, are not intended to have geographical precision. The use of those words in this context is appropriate.