§ 19. Mr. Fatchettasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects to receive the Baker report about the Emergency Provisions Act; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PriorI have just received the report of Sir George Baker's comprehensive and thorough review of the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1973. I am extremely grateful to him for the care and energy with which he has undertaken the task. Arrangements are now being made to print the report and I hope that it will be possible to publish it before the Easter recess.
§ Mr. FatchettWill the Secretary of State ensure—although this may not be within his power—that there is an early debate in the House on the provisions of the Baker report? Will he also give some indication whether the report will lead to any new legislative proposals by the Government?
§ Mr. PriorOn the second point, I think that we had better wait until the report is published. The first point is, of course, a matter for my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House, but I would have thought it better to wait for a few weeks, at any rate, before discussing the report in the House.
§ Mr. SoleyWhen the Secretary of State brings the report before the House, will he bear in mind that this is a terribly long time for emergency legislation to have been in effect? Will he examine it carefully to see whether he can make radical changes in the present legislation, particularly in view of its devastating effect on all parts of the community, not least on confidence in the rule of law?