HL Deb 30 June 2003 vol 650 cc52-3WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 3 June (WA 138) concerning arrangements to replace the North/South Ministerial Council meetings, whether there was consultation with Northern Ireland political parties on the content of exchange of notes between the British and Irish Governments on 19 December 2002; and, if not, why not. [HL3211]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The exchange of notes referred to in the previous Answer took place on 19 November 2002 not 19 December 2002. There was no consultation with the Northern Ireland political parties on the content of the exchange of notes which is a matter for the two governments.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 14 January (WA 28) concerning the North/South Ministerial Council, whether they can demonstrate that all decisions of the council since 15 October 2002 have been consistent with the assurance in the answer. [HL3232]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

I can assure the noble Lord that the decision-making process has been consistent with the previous assurances.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they have taken in consultation with the advisers to the right honourable David Trimble MP and to Mr Mark Durkan, to ensure that decision making by the North/South Ministerial Council is transparent, as promised in a letter from the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to Mr Trimble of 19 December 2002. [HL3254]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

A list of decisions taken up to 28 March 2003 under the exchange of notes between the British and Irish Governments on 19 November 2002 was placed in the Library on 7 April. Papers relating to all decisions taken up to 30 April 2003 have been placed in the Library.