§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will seek to legislate for Northern Ireland by Bills rather than by Orders in Council; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PriorWhen legislation is contemplated the most appropriate form of its application to Northern Ireland is given careful consideration. Each case is considered on its merits. Sometimes Bills may sensibly extend to the United Kingdom as a whole. More often, separate Orders in Council for Northern Ireland are more appropriate. To legislate regularly by Bills extending only to Northern Ireland would place an intolerable burden on Parliament.