Mr. J. Enoch Powellasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on what dates the orders corresponding to the Appropriation (No. 2) (Northern Ireland) Order 1984 were laid before Parliament in each of the five preceding years; and what is the reason for the variation.
§ Mr. ButlerThe dates on which the draft Appropriation (No. 2) (Northern Ireland) Orders were laid in each of the last five years are:
- 4 July 1979
- 19 June 1980
- 17 June 1981
- 21 June 1982
- 23 June 1983
The draft Appropriation (No. 2) (Northern Ireland) Order 1984 was laid on 9 May. It is generally desirable to publish the Estimates as early as possible in the year to which they relate, and a refinement of procedures has made this possible.