Written question asked by Kevin McNamara (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 21 March 1997. It was answered by Lord Mayhew of Twysden (Conservative) on Friday, 21 March 1997 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: When (a) he and (b) the Parliamentary Under Secretary first learned that a sum of money had been paid to a civil servant formerly in her private office for sectarian harassment; and if he had to approve the payment. - (Holding answer 20 March 1997).

Answer: Mr. McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when (a) he and (b) the Under-Secretary first learned that a sum of money had been paid to a civil servant formerly in her private office for sectarian harassment; and if he had to approve the payment. [20402] Sir Patrick Mayhew: [holding answer 20 March 1997]: I was not required to approve this payment, but I was advised of the key elements of the proposed settlement, and agreed that the case should be settled in January 1997. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary was advised at the end of December 1996 of the key elements of the proposed settlement.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 20402; 292 c929-30W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Compensation Civil servants Employment Equality Personnel management Religion Northern Ireland Office Northern Ireland Civil Service