HC Deb 13 December 1982 vol 34 c20
38. Sir John Biggs-Davison

asked the Lord President of the Council whether, in view of the competence of the Northern Ireland Assembly to consider and comment on certain proposed legislation and draft Orders in Council, he will make a statement about the policy of Her Majesty's Government on reference of matters to the Northern Ireland Committee of this House.

Mr. Biffen

I do not envisage any changes in existing arrangements, pending devolution of powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Sir John Biggs-Davison

Is my right hon. Friend aware that when the Northern Ireland Assembly was preparing to debate security, for which it has no responsibility, the Northern Ireland Committee of this House was permitted to discuss what a dog licence should cost in Northern Ireland? Does my right hon. Friend think that the matter was properly thought out when the policy of the Northern Ireland Act 1982 was laid before the House?

Mr. Biffen

I gained the impression that some of the Northern Ireland Members were anxious that the Draft Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1982 should be considered by the Northern Ireland Committee of the House. Whether the Northern Ireland Committee could also consider matters of security must, I imagine, be a matter for representation in the normal way.

Mr. J. Enoch Powell

Will the right hon. Gentleman confirm that nothing so far done under the Northern Ireland Act 1982 has reduced the responsibility for legislation, constituents or general policy, of hon. Members representing Northern Ireland constituencies?

Mr. Biffen

Certainly that is my understanding in relation to the operation of the Northern Ireland Committee, which is the subject of the question.