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Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill

I am grateful to the Minister for a typically thoughtful and full reply. I am glad that the traits that he demonstrated in his previous incarnation at the Home Office have been carried over to the Northern Ireland Office. I welcome the announcement of increased advocacy arrangements for young people in care. In light of the views expressed by the hon. Member for Belfast, South (Dr. McDonnell) and the hon. Member for Strangford (Mrs. Robinson), who speaks on health matters for the Democratic Unionist party, it would be helpful if they volunteered to join Colin Reid—the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children policy adviser who has helped to advance a wide range of children’s issues on behalf of the charity—and myself in an early cross-party meeting with the Minister and his officials before his grilling by the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee.