§ Mr. Dunlopasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many Orders in Council relevant to Northern Ireland have been passed during each year of direct rule.
§ Mr. PriorAny Order in Council that extends throughout the United Kingdom may be described as relevant to Northern Ireland. However, if the hon. Gentleman has in mind Orders in Council made under the two Acts providing for direct rule, the Northern Ireland (Temporary Provisions) Act 1972 and the Northern Ireland Act 1974, on matters that were previously within the competence of the Northern Ireland Parliament and the Northern Ireland Assembly respectively, the figures are as follows:
Orders in Council Year Number 1972 22 1973 24 1974 7 1975 22 1976 29 1977 28 1978 28 1979 19 1980 17 1981 28 *1982 4 * to date.