Northern Ireland: Devolved Government

Lord Foulkes of Cumnock Excerpts

Tuesday 4th September 2018 Lords Chamber

[Viscount Younger of Leckie]

My noble friend will know that legislation has been brought forward to reduce their pay. It is now in the gift of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to take matters forward, should she wish.

[Lord Foulkes of Cumnock (Lab)]

My Lords, the Minister said that the Government would step in where necessary. Why is it not necessary in the case of the NHS, as the noble Lord, Lord Empey, asked?

[Viscount Younger of Leckie]

There could be many areas where we might all agree that it was necessary to step in. I reassure the noble Lord that the Government are prepared to step in when they think that it is necessary to protect the interests of Northern Ireland, but just point out that there is no Assembly at the moment.