Devolution
Oral Answers to Questions — Northern Ireland
House of Commons debates, 4 November 2009, 11:30 am
Julian Brazier (Shadow Minister, Transport; Canterbury, Conservative)
What recent assessment he has made of the progress of devolution of responsibility for criminal justice and policing to the Northern Ireland Assembly; and if he will make a statement.
Shaun Woodward (Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office; St Helens South, Labour)
It is for the parties in Northern Ireland to decide when to request transfer. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has made a settlement of upwards of £800 million available to the parties if they reach agreement.
Julian Brazier (Shadow Minister, Transport; Canterbury, Conservative)
Is the Secretary of State satisfied that in no circumstances will intelligence-gathering be compromised under any possible devolution?