§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many days' limit he gave to those wishing to comment on the proposal for a draft Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order and a draft Education and Libraries Order before the Orders were laid in draft.
§ Mr. David HowellThese Orders are based on Bills presented to the Northern348W Ireland Parliament before prorogation and were fully discussed with all interested parties at that time. In view of the urgent timetable for reorganisation of services in Northern Ireland, time for further consultation had to be severely limited. All interested parties were notified by the Ministry of Health and Social Services on 19th June of the publication of the draft Health and Personal Social Services Order and were asked to comment within 10 days. The Ministry of Education also notified all interested parties of the publication of the draft Education and Libraries Order, although consultations had been taking place continuously since the original Bill was published.