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Budget (No.2) (Northern Ireland) Order 2005

My Lords, I should like to speak on a topic that I intentionally left out, but which the noble Lord, Lord Shutt, raised; that is, the situation at the University of Ulster. I declare an interest as a member of the court of that university. What will the Government’s attitude and part be in this? There has been an enormous amount of adverse press coverage. It is looking more and more like a university cover-up. My private inquiries lead me to understand that, ultimately, the bill for this debacle could end at the door of Queen’s University. I would like two assurances from the Government: first, that the bill for any impropriety in the University of Ulster will not land on the doorstep of Queen’s University for payment; and, secondly, I am interested—but I totally understand if the Minister feels that he is unable to comment at this stage—to know what line the Government will take into the situation.