HC Deb 12 January 2000 vol 342 cc178-9W
8. Mrs. Ellman

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consultation he has held with the North/South Ministerial Council concerning economic development in the last 12 months. [103420]

19. Mr. John Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consultation he has had with the north/south Ministerial Council. [103431]

Mr. George Howarth

None. Since devolution on 2 December, economic development in Northern Ireland is a matter for the Northern Ireland Assembly. The North/South Ministerial Council and the Trade and Business Development Board have a role to play where this involves co-operation between the Assembly and the Dail. Both the Council and the Body are accountable to the Assembly and the Dail.