Laurence Robertson (Shadow Minister, Northern Ireland; Tewkesbury, Conservative)

I beg to move amendment No. 147, in clause 24, page 13, line 18, at end add—

‘(2)An order under this section may not be made unless a draft has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.’.

David Taylor (North West Leicestershire, Labour)

With this it will be convenient to discuss the following amendments: No. 148, in clause 24, page 13, line 18, at end add—

‘(2)The Secretary of State must make an order under this section no earlier than 24 months after the commencement of—

(a)a restoration order made under section 3 (1) of the Northern Ireland Act 2000; or

(b)the lapse of section 1 of the Northern Ireland Act 2000.’.

No. 149, in clause 25, page 13, line 20, at end insert,

‘and may not be made unless a draft has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.’.

No. 150, in clause 25, page 13, line 27, leave out subsection (4).

No. 151, in clause 25, page 13, line 29, leave out subsection (5).

No. 152, in clause 25, page 13, line 31, leave out subsection (6).

No. 153, in clause 25, page 13, line 41, leave out subsection (7).

Laurence Robertson (Shadow Minister, Northern Ireland; Tewkesbury, Conservative)

The amendment would ensure the Bill is not implemented without a resolution passed by both Houses of Parliament and that no such action should be taken until the Assembly has been up and running for two years.

David Hanson (Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office; Delyn, Labour)

I do not believe that the amendment should stand, because before it can become an Act, the Bill will pass through both Houses of Parliament. There is the potential under the Bill for a range of measures to be brought forward and an affirmative resolution is unnecessary. I urge my hon. Friends to reject the amendment.

Laurence Robertson (Shadow Minister, Northern Ireland; Tewkesbury, Conservative)

I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.

David Taylor (North West Leicestershire, Labour)

It being 4 o’clock—

Peter Robinson (Belfast East, DUP)

On a point of order, Mr. Taylor. Do you have the powers of a premiership referee? We lost some time at the beginning of our proceedings, and there are only three votes to be taken.

David Taylor (North West Leicestershire, Labour)

I am afraid that those powers lie with the Whips. I must put the remaining Questions forthwith.