§ Sir John Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which dignitaries are entitled to dispose of the Great Seal of Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement about its custody and possession.
§ Mr. HurdThe Keeper of the Great Seal of Northern Ireland is the Secretary of State, as Her Majesty's principal officer in Northern Ireland. The Governor of Northern Ireland formerly had this responsibility. The seal is retained in the custody of the Clerk of the Crown for Northern Ireland.
District: Down Length of time on waiting list Speciality 0–3 months Over 3 months up to 6 months Over 6 months up to 1 year Over 1 year up to 2 years Over 2 years up to 3 years Over 3 years Total General surgery 1983 52 10 7 — — — 69 1982 74 18 — — — — 92 1981 76 34 57 53 — — 220 Ent 1983 37 34 58 38 16 — 183 1982 214 141 151 8 35 — 549 1981 63 29 48 49 27 — 216 Gynaecology 1983 36 12 4 — — — 52 1982 34 8 3 — — — 45 1981 44 15 9 — — — 68
District: East Belfast and Castlereagh Length of time on waiting list Speciality 0–3 months Over 3 months up to 6 months Over 6 months up to 1 year Over 1 year up to 2 years Over 2 years up to 3 years Over 3 years Total General surgery 1983 123 42 11 1 — — 177 1982 197 7 5 1 — — 210