HC Deb 03 February 2004 vol 417 cc865-6W
Mr. Peter Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether solicitors have been retained to draft legislation in respect of water charging. [152213]

Mr. Spellar

No. Assembly Bills introduced by the Northern Ireland Executive during devolution and Orders in Council made under the Northern Ireland Act 2000 while the Assembly is suspended are drafted by the Office of the Legislative Counsel of the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister.

However, the Department for Regional Development has appointed legal advisers to provide specialist expertise on the water industry regulatory, consumer protection and environmental issues to be addressed in the legislation which will be necessary to give effect to the wide-ranging Water Reform agenda.

Mr. Peter Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much money was paid to solicitors employed by the Government in the drafting of the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 in(a) 1999–2000, (b) 2000–01, (c) 2001–02 and (d) 2002–03, broken down by firm. [152214]

Mr. Spellar

The Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 was drafted by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. Costs were therefore met within existing Government resources. No payment was made to any private firm of solicitors.