asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which foreign countries made representations about the use of the Public Order Act 1891 to control parades on Saint Patrick's Day 1985; what response he has made to such representations; and if he will make a statement.

I have been asked to reply.The Irish Government made representations about the control of a St. Patrick's Day parade in Portadown. Her Majesty's embassy in Dublin has explained that the control of parades is primarily a matter for the operational judgment of the Royal Ulster Constabulary.