§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what United Kingdom laws now remain outwith the legislation of Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MasonIt would be impossible, without unacceptable cost and disproportionate effort, to list all those Westminster enactments that extend to Northern Ireland and those that do not. Since 1921 Northern Ireland has had its own corpus of law. However, certain Westminster enactments have extended to Northern Ireland either in whole or in part; and during the period between 1921 and 1972 the Northern Ireland Parliament frequently enacted legislation which closely followed legislation in force in Great Britain.
In the absence of a devolved Government in Northern Ireland it is Government policy to consider very carefully whether the provisions of Westminster Bills ought to apply to Northern Ireland. 320W We do so in the light of our experience and knowledge of the Province's traditions and needs and consequential to full consultation with the people of the Province. Legislation for Northern Ireland may be enacted at Westminster either by a Bill extending to the Province or by an Order in Council under the Northern Ireland Act 1974.