HC Deb 25 November 1969 vol 792 cc211-337

Considered in Committee.

[Mr. SYDNEY IRVING in the Chair]

3.56 p.m.

Mr. Hector Hughes (Aberdeen, North)

On a point of order. May I draw attention to the fact that the Bill deals with Ulster and that one-third of the counties in Ulster are in the Republic of Ireland, a country which is as independent as Norway or Sweden, and that therefore, the Bill is ultra vires the House. I ask that the Bill be referred back to a committee to deal with the question of ultra vires.

The Chairman

The Committee will note what the hon. and learned Gentleman has had to say. This is not a point of order, but a point of debate. The only way in which the hon. and learned Gentleman could influence us would be by putting down Amendments to the Bill, which he has not done. I cannot help him further in this matter.

Mr. Hector Hughes

With respect, one-third of the territory dealt with in the Bill is outside the jurisdiction of this Parliament, and cannot, therefore, be dealt with by this Parliament. The Bill should, therefore, be referred back to a committee which can deal with the question of ultra vires.

The Minister of State, Home Office (Mrs. Shirley Williams)

Further to that point of order. The Bill has no title of the kind to which my hon. and learned Friend is objecting.

The Chairman

I cannot allow a debate on the point of order. I cannot add anything to what I said to the hon. and learned Gentleman. This is a matter that can be raised in debate, but not in any other way.

  1. Clause 1
      2. cc211-337
    1. AID BY HOME POLICE FORCES OF THE ROYAL ULSTER CONSTABULARY AND VICE VERSA. 46,889 words
    c337
  2. BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE 24 words
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