To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs when the final outcome of the Parliamentary Boundary Commission will (a) be published and (b) become effective for the purpose of the election on which these boundaries would be used. (81854)

I have been asked to reply as this question relates to the Northern Ireland Parliamentary Boundary Commission.

The Parliamentary Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland is required to submit its final report to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland by June 2007. The Secretary of State must then lay the Commission’s final recommendations (with or without modifications) before Parliament for approval.