---

Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill

I listened with interest to the Minister and accept that he has provided us with a clear exposition of where he stands. He rightly highlighted the issues that we address in our amendments Nos. 14 and 15. The amendments were tabled in Committee, and in his reply the Minister said that he would reflect on them and discuss with political parties whether they wanted some flexibility in the voting arrangements. We appreciate that there has not been much time between Committee and Report for such discussions, but we re-tabled the amendments to give the Minister an opportunity to update the House. He has given his view, but I infer that he has not explicitly spoken with the parties. I remind the Minister of his words. He said in Committee:"““I am reasonably flexible in the matter. Although 50:50:50 was our original choice, the amendment would mean that there were two methods.””" He is right about that. He continued:"““I have not discussed the election of a criminal justice Minister with any of the parties in Northern Ireland to take their views about what would be acceptable to the Assembly, but I am reasonably content to look into that possibility.””—[Official Report, 20 April 2006; Vol. 445, c. 297.]" It is a small gripe, but I believe that the Government having imposed the timetable on us, the Minister was obliged to undertake some consultation, and I am disappointed that he has not done so." We have been in discussion with parties on various issues. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will understand that there is a range of issues before political parties in Northern Ireland. The Bill is not necessarily at the forefront of everyone’s mind, given the issues relating to the restoration of the Assembly. I am happy to discuss the matter with the parties, as I have said before. We have had some general consultations, I have reflected seriously on the matter and I hope the hon. Gentleman will accept my good faith."