HC Deb 20 June 1973 vol 858 cc806-8

Question proposed, That the clause stand part of the Bill.

Captain Orr

Can my right hon. Friend tell us anything about the kind of person who it is expected will be the Clerk of the Assembly? It seems that he will have a very difficult and responsible job. He will presumably have to deal with the problem of the Standing Orders and will also have to preside over the Assembly for all the time that it may take my right hon. Friend to form an Executive. He may have to preside over it for some considerable time and will obviously need to be a person of considerable talent. Has my right hon. Friend any idea whether he will consider the present Clerk of the Parliament at Stormont, a man of considerable experience?

Mr. Whitelaw

I am grateful to my hon. and gallant Friend for raising this matter. It enables me to say that, subject to the passing of this measure, I would intend to recommend the appointment of Mr. Blackburn, the present Clerk of the Parliament of Stormont, to this job.

Question put and agreed to.

Clause 24 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Forward to