§ 18. Mr. Skinnerasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he has plans to introduce provisions similar to those in the Housing Finance Bill for Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. ChannonNo, Sir.
§ Mr. SkinnerI thought the Government had sent the hon. Gentleman over there to do exactly that. Cannot he remember making all these claims in Committee, that he would help the needy, assist the unemployed, unite the community—[Hon. Members: "Question."] I prefaced my remarks with a question.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. The hon. Gentleman is not entitled to make remarks. He must ask a question.
§ Mr. SkinnerDo you want me to start again, Mr. Speaker? If all those claims are right, why has this not been imposed in Northern Ireland? Perhaps the truth—
§ Mr. Torney"Is it not true that".
§ Mr. SkinnerI do not need any assistance. Is it not true that the truth of the matter lies in the fact that none of these claims is true, that is why £1 million is not being paid in Northern Ireland and this will possibly result in further non-payment?
§ Mr. ChannonThe hon. Member almost persuades me with his remarks 691 about the good nature of the Housing Finance Bill in respect of the United Kingdom. The housing situation in Northern Ireland, with its history and its rent strike, is entirely different from that of the United Kingdom. Naturally my right hon. Friend and I will be considering what is an appropriate rent structure in the future.