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Northern Ireland Bill

I thank all those who have taken part in the discussion of Amendment No. 1 and I thank the Minister for giving me the response that I expected. The noble Lord, Lord Hylton, raised some worthwhile points. On a number of occasions the activities of some of the cross-border bodies were referred to some of those organisations. However, there was an unsatisfactory response. The chief executive of Waterways Ireland was found guilty of bullying a member of staff. The chief executive was given a 35 per cent pay increase, and the member of staff got the sack. That is only one example of what can happen. In Northern Ireland we have gone to a lot of trouble, which I totally support, to ensure that nobody can be put into any position on grounds of religion or political views. Yet, that is what happened in Waterways Ireland without competition. Because they are cross-border bodies, nobody seems capable of doing anything. Everyone is paralysed. It is time that such things were considered because they do not provide a sense of confidence for the good people of Northern Ireland. They could blight the prospect of creating enough confidence to start the mechanism of devolution again by the end of November. I take heart that the Minister will refer these issues to the Secretary of State. I am pleased about that and have no doubt that he will put the weight of our views in this House to the Secretary of State. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Clause 1 agreed to. Clause 2 agreed to. Clause 3 [Power to make consequential provision etc]: On Question, Whether Clause 3 shall stand part of the Bill?