§ Mr. SedgemoreTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what proposals she has for the Northern Ireland Assembly to exercise powers, functions and rights of debate as regards policy on abortion in Northern Ireland; what powers, functions and rights of debate on policy will be reserved for the United Kingdom Parliament; and if she will make a statement; [51565]
(2) what proposals she has to devolve policy as regards the application of the Abortion Act 1967 to the Northern Ireland Assembly; [51566]
(3) what proposals she has to devolve policy on abortion from the United Kingdom Parliament to the Northern Ireland Assembly; and if she will make a statement. [51567]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyIn Northern Ireland the law on abortion is currently classified as part of the criminal law and is therefore a "reserved" matter. This means that it can be legislated upon either at Westminster or, with the approval of the Secretary of State and Parliament, by the new Northern Ireland Assembly.