asked Her Majesty's Government:
Why the police were withdrawn from security duty at Stormont Parliament Buildings, Belfast; and what consultations took place prior to the decision being made. [HL407]
A police presence on sitting days of the Northern Ireland Assembly was discontinued when the Assembly was suspended in October 2002 and sittings consequently ceased. There have been ongoing communications between the Speaker and the Chief Constable about a permanent police presence in Parliament Buildings on the restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether there will be a public inquiry into the security lapse at Stormont on 24 November. [HL418]
The Government do not consider that a public inquiry is appropriate at this time. The Commission for the Transitional Assembly will be conducting a review, in consultation with relevant parties, of the security of Parliament Buildings, following the attempted intrusion by Mr Michael Stone on 24 November. The Government will wish to consider the findings of the review and will seek early implementation of any agreed recommendations for improvement that it may make.
asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether any Minister or official of the Northern Ireland Office plays a role in decision-making relating to the levels of security at Parliament Buildings, Stormont. [HL419]
While the Northern Ireland Assembly is suspended, the functions of the Assembly Commission are discharged by the Secretary of State by virtue of paragraph 8(2) of the schedule to the Northern Ireland Act 2000. Advice on levels of security at Parliament Buildings would be provided to the Secretary of State by the Speaker and Assembly administration officials.
asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether security advice is tendered by the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police or by his officers to the authorities of the Stormont Assembly. [HL421]
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has provided advice to the Speaker and the Northern Ireland Assembly Commission on the handling of major events in, and visits to, Parliament Buildings and the grounds of the Stormont estate. Advice may also be provided on security threat levels.