Written question asked by A Cecil Walker (Ulster Unionist Party), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 10 June 1997. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Tuesday, 10 June 1997 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: When she plans to legislate to require (a) police officers, (b) members of the judiciary and magistrates, (c) counsel and solicitors, (d) CPS prosecutors, (e) probation and (f) prison officers to disclose publicly their membership of secret societies.

Answer: Mr. Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when she plans to legislate to require (a) police officers, (b) members of the judiciary and magistrates, (c) counsel and solicitors, (d) CPS prosecutors, (e) probation and (f) prison officers to disclose publicly their membership of secret societies. [1919] Mr. Ingram: There are no present plans to so legislate. The Home Affairs Committee Report on Freemasonry in the Police and the Judiciary was published in March this year. Mr right hon. Friend, the Minister of State at the Home Office has recently advised the clerk of the Committee that the issues in the report are being addressed in consultation with other Departments, including the Northern Ireland Office, with the aim of making a substantive response by the end of August.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 1919; 295 c433W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Crown Prosecution Service Legal profession Judges Freemasonry Northern Ireland Police Prisons Probation Secret societies