Written question asked by Ben Chapman (Labour) on Tuesday, 31 August 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 7 September 2004. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Tuesday, 7 September 2004 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will make a statement on progress towards restoration of devolution to Northern Ireland.

Answer: Mr. Ben Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on progress towards restoration of devolution to Northern Ireland. [187675] Mr. Spellar: We are engaged in intensive political activity with the aim of restoring stable and inclusive partnership government in Northern Ireland. It is important to draw upon the high degree of commitment among the Northern Ireland parties to bring about resumed devolution at an early stage. Recent meetings with all parties have made me confident of support from all sides and good prospects for restoring stable devolved government to Northern Ireland.

Secondary information