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The following motion stood upon the Order Paper in the name of Mr. Stanbrook :
That leave be given to bring in a Bill to create a Commission to examine the divergencies between the law in Northern Ireland and in England and Wales and to recommend to what extent and by what means it is expedient that those divergencies be eliminated.
§ Mr. SpeakerMr. Ivor Stanbrook, Ten-Minute Bill.
§ Mr. Ivor Stanbrook (Orpington)The motion standing on the Order Paper in my name represents a modest and useful contribution to the constitutional development of Northern Ireland. It calls for the identification of the specific respects in which Northern Ireland is treated differently from other parts of the United Kingdom.
However, it would not be right for a measure affecting the constitutional position of Northern Ireland to be brought before the House without the expectation of, as far as possible, the full support of hon. Members.
It was therefore with some surprise and dismay that I was informed yesterday that one of my hon. Friends intended to oppose my application. For that reason, and because I do not want there to be any misrepresentation or misunderstanding—features which are only too common in Northern Ireland—I do not seek to ask leave to introduce my Bill today.