§ 5. Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many responses he received to the draft Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1993.
§ The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Sir Patrick Mayhew)Up until 19pctober, 15 responses had been received from interested organisations and individuals. My noble Friend Lord Arran has recently extended the consultation period by eight weeks to allow all those who wish to express views on the proposal further time to do so.
§ Rev. Martin SmythI welcome the extension, for which we had asked even before this was published, but may we have a sitting of the Northern Ireland Grand Committee to discuss the order, which is one of the most vital to come before the House because it affects the future of many people in Northern Ireland, particularly our future generations?
§ Sir Patrick MayhewI am grateful for what the hon. Gentleman has said. It is for the House authorities and principally the Leader of the House to determine whether the Northern Ireland Committee should take heed of what he has asked. I shall draw my right hon. Friend's attention to the request.