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Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill

I accept that entirely, and it was clear from the hon. Gentleman’s speech that, although he is a strong advocate of devolution, he recognises that there can be no place in a devolved democratic government for those linked to criminality and gangsterism. I hope that that view is widespread within his party, although some contributions make me doubt whether it is. I want to discuss devolution of policing and justice, the electoral registration process and political donations. The Secretary of State said in his opening speech that there is still a considerable amount of work to be done on the devolution of policing and justice. That has to be the understatement of the year. As the hon. Member for Montgomeryshire (Lembit Öpik) said, there are considerable hurdles still to be overcome, and we have to face reality. It amazes many of us who represent Northern Ireland constituencies that although we are told time and again that slots cannot be found in the parliamentary timetable for consideration of all manner of important legislation, time can be found to debate the devolution of policing and justice. Indeed, we are told that two days will be made available to debate this Bill in Committee on the Floor of the House.