Written question asked by Lord Laird (Ulster Unionist Party), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Shutt of Greetland (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 17 January 2012.

Northern Ireland: Security

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Shutt of Greetland on 20 December (WA 368), what was the outcome of the review by the Minister of State in the Northern Ireland Office in September 2011 of the decision to close Lower Chichester Street, Belfast; what security criteria were used for the original closure decision; who made that decision; and why the roads at the side and back of the courts complex are not also closed.

Answer: The decision to close Lower Chichester Street was based on the criteria set down in Section 32(1)(b) of the Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Act 2007, which states that a closure can be put in place if it is necessary for the preservation of peace and the maintenance of order. The Minister of State for Northern Ireland confirmed that there is a continuing security need for the restrictions to remain in place at this time. This decision was made in the light of advice from the Police Service of Northern Ireland and threat assessment information available at the time. The closure of other roads at the side did not form part of the request by the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 14649; 734 c124WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Northern Ireland: Security Restrictions
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
Written questions
House of Lords; Northern Ireland: Security
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Courts Closures Belfast Security Roads
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk