§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will now announce the date of the by-election pending in Northern Antrim for a seat in the Northern Ireland Assembly.
§ Mr. David HowellBefore the by-election can be held, an order must be made under Section 2(5) of the Northern Ireland Assembly Act 1973, as applied by Section 29(1) of the Northern Ireland Constitution Act 1973. This order will prescribe the timetable and rules for the by-election. My right hon. Friend intends to arrange for informal discussion of the substance of the order through the usual channels before laying it.