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11.7
11.6.6
When a decision has been made to set up a Commission of Inquiry, the OAG (or the Secretary of State and the OAG) make a public announcement to that effect. It is not necessary to include in the announcement the terms of reference or composition of the Commission, although these should be announced as soon as possible thereafter. It is sometimes desirable from a political point of view for the Secretary of State to make the announcement in Parliament, shortly in advance of an announcement by the OAG. If so, the DT geographical Department, Parliamentary Unit and News Department must co-ordinate the timing.
11.7
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS
Whenever there is a serious crisis or disturbance in a DT, and sometimes when only the threat of such a crisis exists, the Secretary of State may be questioned in Parliament. A Private Notice Question (PNQ) (Sec DSP Volume 5 para 2.3) could be raised immediately after the outbreak of disturbances. If a decision has been reached to set up a Commission of Inquiry, it should be recommended that the Secretary of State replies that the outcome of the Commission of Inquiry must be awaited.
October 1978
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