Member

I regret the fact that there has been no consultation carried out—I echo the words of the noble Baroness, Lady Hoey. I note that there is no requirement to consult in this legislation. Yeah, there may be no requirement, but it is a pretty poor situation when we have laws applying specifically to Northern Ireland, and only Northern Ireland, with no consultation whatever. I hope the Minister will agree to give a commitment tonight that this sort of approach will not be replicated in the future, that we will give proper consultation and that people will be asked what they think and what ideas they may input.