§ Mr. Bellasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what provisions have been made for setting a district rate in the 18 local councils currently adjourned in protest over the Anglo-Irish agreement.
§ Mr. NeedhamNorthern Ireland district councils have a statutory duty to make a district rate for 1986–87 not later than 15 February 1986. It is a matter for each individual council to make arrangements to meet this requirement. If any council fails to make a rate by this date, the Government will take whatever action is necessary to secure the exercise of this function, either by the use of default powers in existing legislation or, if necessary, by taking additional powers.