Clause 1 — Election of Next Assembly

Part of Northern Ireland Assembly (Elections and Periods of Suspension) Bill – in the House of Commons at 8:00 pm on 14 May 2003.

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Photo of Peter Robinson Peter Robinson DUP, Belfast East 8:00, 14 May 2003

I want to put a question to the hon. Gentleman that relates to Lords Amendment No. 2 and, in particular, the new date set by the Government—15 November—by which time they would bring this issue back to the House if no agreement to hold an election had been reached. The Government have said, "Clarity is our friend"—I think that was the term used by the Prime Minister—so do they not owe it to the House to make it abundantly clear before this debate ends what requirement has to be met for an election to place? Are only words from the IRA required? Are there any other factors? We should be clear, up front, about what is required for an election to take place.