§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reasons Part 8 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 was not extended to Northern Ireland; and what discussions he had with his colleagues in the Northern Ireland Office during the Bill's passage through Parliament in relation to the extension of Part 8 to Northern Ireland. [150663]
§ Ms BlearsThe high hedges provisions were introduced into the Anti-Social Behaviour Bill following extensive consultation in England and Wales and after lengthy discussions in Parliament as several Private Members' Bills failed to become law. The consultation showed widespread support for legislation to give local authorities in England and Wales the powers to deal with complaints about high hedges.
No similar consultation has been conducted in Northern Ireland and there is no solid evidence to suggest that legislation is necessary. We have kept our colleagues in the Northern Ireland Office in touch with our proposals for England and Wales throughout.