§ 10. Mr. Gowasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals he has for improving the quality and public accountability of local government in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CarterThe 26 district councils in Northern Ireland are already accountable to their electorates for the way in which they carry out their duties. The quality of the services which they provide is a matter on which their electorates can pass judgment.
§ Mr. GowHow can it be right to insist on the continuation of a system—or perhaps, more accurately, a nonsystem—of local government for Northern Ireland which the Government would not dream of accepting in any other part of the United Kingdom? Is it not wholly consistent with the Government's overall strategy for the constitutional future of the Province to fill, and fill urgently, the Macrory gap?
§ Mr. CarterThat is what the political talks were about earlier this year, until they broke down. The sooner we can have in Northern Ireland some form of devolved Administration, the sooner the hon. Gentleman's question will be answered.