To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consideration he has given to the proposals put forward by the Northern Ireland committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions on new procedures to deal with the withdrawal of ACE funding from organisations on grounds of security; and if he will make a statement.

I have considered carefully the proposals put forward by the Northern Ireland committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions but I am satisfied that for security reasons it would not be possible to adopt them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consideration he has given to adopting new procedures, which will include the right of reply, when decisions are being made on the possible withdrawal of ACE funding from organisations on grounds of security; and if he will make a statement.

I am satisfied that the current arrangements are appropriate in these cases and have no plans to change them. Where funding is withdrawn the organisation concerned is advised that the action taken is in accordance with the Government's stated policy. Representations can be made to the Government by aggrieved bodies and these are considered in light of the circumstances in each case.