Mr. J. Enoch Powellasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland why the 1983–84 Spring Supplementary Estimate for services under the Government of Northern Ireland and the Statement of Sums required on Account for 1984–85 came into the possession of hon. Members representing Northern Ireland constituencies a fortnight after the debate on 1 March on the Appropriation (Northern Ireland) Order; and if he will take steps to prevent a recurrence of this delay in future.
§ Mr. ButlerThe documents referred to were placed in the Vote Office when the draft Appropriation Order was laid on 21 February 1984, and were therefore available to all Members well before the debate. It has been customary, however, in addition to send direct to Northern Ireland Members copies of all departmental publications. On this particular occasion the normal procedure for making copies of the documents available was unfortunately delayed due to an internal breakdown of communication between the departments responsible. I am sorry about this delay and procedures have now been reviewed to prevent a recurrence.