Parade Season

Oral Answers to Questions — Northern Ireland – in the House of Commons at 2:30 pm on 12 June 2002.

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Photo of Mrs Helen Jackson Mrs Helen Jackson Labour, Sheffield, Hillsborough 2:30, 12 June 2002

If he will make a statement on the maintenance of order during the parade season.

Photo of Jane Kennedy Jane Kennedy Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office

Approximately 3,300 parades were held in 2001 and the vast majority passed off peacefully with only minor incidents occurring at a small number. We hope that that trend continues throughout the marching season. In the event of public disorder, this year as every year, the security forces have appropriate contingency measures in place to ensure that the determinations of the Parades Commission are upheld.

Photo of Mrs Helen Jackson Mrs Helen Jackson Labour, Sheffield, Hillsborough

Is it not the case that in the past few weeks in this country there have been not thousands or hundreds but millions of people on the streets parading and celebrating the Queen's golden jubilee and the World Cup football results in Dublin and England? Is it not the case, therefore, that there is no need for a parade or street celebration to disintegrate into sectarianism or violence? Does the Minister agree that the essential components are good planning and organisation and consultation?

Photo of Jane Kennedy Jane Kennedy Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office

I could just say yes, but my hon. Friend mentioned football, so may I take this opportunity to say how delighted I am that two football teams from the British Isles are doing well in the World cup? As for the rest of her question, my answer is yes.