§ 7.18 p.m.
The Earl of GowrieMy Lords, I beg to move that the draft Northern Ireland Act 1974 (Interim Period Extension) Order 1982 which was laid before this House on 8th June be approved. An hour or so previously in moving the Second Reading of the previous Bill in the previous debate, I reminded your Lordships of the need for continued direct rule, and indeed extolled the virtues and the necessity of direct rule. I have a 955 splendid and not very long speech here which says the same thing all over again. If it is the will of the House I will of course rehearse it, but in view of the fact that we have had a good debate it might be for the convenience of the House if I move it formally.
§ Moved, that the draft order laid before the House on 8th June be approved.—(The Earl of Gowrie.)
§ Lord BleaseMy Lords, it happens that this order is closely interrelated with the debate we have just had on the Northern Ireland Bill. From these Benches we consider there is little useful we would wish to add at this time concerning the general views already expressed about direct rule introduced in 1974. We therefore are not opposing the order on this occasion.
§ Lord HamptonMy Lords, this is entirely consequential on what we have debated, and we too would like to support the order.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.