HC Deb 27 June 1974 vol 875 c1718
Mr. James Allason

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland why the Northern Ireland Finance Corporation refuses to agree to pay interest on overdue compensation payments.

Mr. Orme

The Northern Ireland Finance Corporation is a statutory body with an independent board of directors responsible for the conduct of its affairs. It is not appropriate for me to comment further.

Mr. Allason

Surely the right hon. Gentleman has an interest in seeing that the Corporation conducts its affairs in a reasonably economic way? Does he defend its actions?

Mr. Orme

Of course the Government have a responsibility, but they cannot interfere in a case where litigation is currently taking place. The hon. Gentleman ought to be aware of that.