§ Mr. MossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has to transfer responsibility for decisions regarding the future of hospitals in Northern Ireland to the Northern Ireland Assembly. [49983]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyAs envisaged by the Belfast Agreement [Cd 3883], the Government intend to bring forward legislation shortly which will provide for the transfer to the Northern Ireland Assembly of full legislative and executive authority in respect of those matters currently within the responsibility of the six Northern Ireland Government Departments. This will include the transfer of responsibility for decisions regarding the future of hospitals in Northern Ireland.