§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the powers he has under public legislation to give directions to local authorities or otherwise require them to act in a way which he prescribes, giving in each case the legislative authority under which he may exercise these powers.
§ Mr. Tim SmithUnder the present constitutional arrangements for Northern Ireland I have no powers of direction which are specific and exclusive to the local authorities in the Province. Government Departments do, however, have powers under a wide range of legislative provisions to direct and to prescribe by regulations and by other means what action should be taken by district councils. This information is not readily available, however, and could be compiled only at disproportionate cost.