§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the role played by local community activists during the 2003 marching season; and what plans he has to provide support for local community activists during the 2004 marching season. [174091]
§ Mr. PearsonDuring 2003, a wide range of people in the community played an important role in easing tensions and resolving problems around parading and I am most grateful for that. In preparing for the forthcoming marching season, the Secretary of State and I intend to hold a series of meetings similar to last year, which will include all those who have the ability to help ensure that 2004 passes off as peacefully as 2003.
§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what his assessment is of the Police Service of Northern Ireland security assessment relating to Portadown recently received by the Parades Commission; and if he will make a statement on his assessment of security over the forthcoming marching season. [174094]
1342W
§ Mr. PearsonThe Parades Commission is independent of Government and the Secretary of State does not see PSNI advice to the Commission. There is currently no information which would suggest this marching season will be significantly different from 2003. However, with regard to the forthcoming marching season, the Secretary of State and I intend to hold a series of meetings similar to last year, which will include all those who have the ability to help ensure that 2004 passes off as peacefully as 2003.