§ 80. Mr. Meacherasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many individuals and families have so far had their benefits reduced under the Payments for Debt (Emergency Provisions) 1971 (Northern Ireland) Act; and what have been the total reductions by range of amount for each type of benefit;
(2) of the 16 types of benefit subject to reduction under the Payments for Debt (Emergency Provisions) (Northern Ireland) Act, 1971, which have so far been reduced; when it is proposed that persons receiving any of the remaining benefits should have their benefits reduced; and which of the benefits it is proposed not to reduce.
§ Mr. MaudlingAdministration of the Act is the responsibility of the Government of Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will make a statement on the proposed inter-party talks at Westminster in relation to Northern Ireland, in particular indicating whether the proceedings will be formal or informal, how many Members of this House will be involved, how they will be selected, and which parties will be invited to participate;
(2) who will be the chairman of the forthcoming inter-party talks on Northern Ireland; whether the proceedings will be 364W open to the Press and public; whether it is intended to call witnesses; what the agenda will be; whether the talks will include discussions on the question of a United Ireland; and whether it is intended prior to that to seek the views of the people of Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. MaudlingI am not yet in a position to add to why my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and I said in the debate on 29th November.