Mervyn Storey
North Antrim · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“I thank the Minister for his statement. It will be noted that there are those who cry much about the environment and purport to be the champions of the environment who did not have the courtesy to come to the House and be present when the statement was being made.”
“I thank the Minister for his statement. Clearly, there are some in the House who want to continue with the same old, same old and get the same outcomes at a huge cost to the public purse and to farms in Northern Ireland. The Minister is absolutely right: it is a scourge.”
“I am sure that the Minister will be aware, having listened to the Member who spoke before me, that the farmers of North Antrim will make an informed choice about who best supported farmers during this mandate of the Assembly.”
“A pilot scheme has been operating with the Education Authority, the PSNI and the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust across 60 schools in the south Down area since September 2021 and was extended to a further 77 schools in the Newry and south Armagh areas at the start of February 2022.”
“As Chair of the Justice Committee, I am pleased to welcome the motion. It implements the provisions taken forward by the Committee in the Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (Northern Ireland) 2021 to establish an Operation Encompass model in Northern Ireland, which is, as the Minister has outlined, a police and early intervention pa…”
“We had our final meeting of that Committee this morning, and I want to place on the public record our appreciation and thanks to our Committee staff of for all the work that they have done.”
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“The Health Minister made a statement on 8 January that set out the 2015-16 pay award for Health and Social Care staff. That will allow for a 1% non-consolidated payment for staff who are at the top of their pay band and an average spine point rise of 3·7% for those who are not at the top of their pay band. Salaried doctors and dentists at the top of their pay band will also receive a 1% payment. The Health Minister is aware of the RCN's decision to ballot its members in Northern Ireland on industrial action and is disappointed by that decision. While members have a right to take industrial action, it is fully recognised that any such action is regrettable.”
“Whilst the Health Minister fully recognises the hard work of all the staff in health and social care and the contribution that they make, his priority — his first priority — is to protect front-line services and ensure that they are properly staffed to secure the provision of safe and effective services.”
“The Chair of the Health Committee raised a number of issues on the detail of the Health budget. While I will not attempt to respond to all the issues that were raised, I assure Members that my colleague the Health Minister and I agree that health service staff are our greatest asset in delivering health and social care. As someone who, unfortunately, has had to spend much time with my dad in hospital over the last eight months, I know well the service provided by staff in the health service, their dedication and the extreme lengths that they go to. The debt of gratitude that we owe to all those who work in our health service is a given for us all in the House.”
“Tell them that it was not the right thing to do. I think that you will find, even in your constituency, Mr Lunn, that it was the right thing to do and was constructed in a way that was meant to deliver for communities. I accept his point about the time that it has taken. However, I think that he will also appreciate that there were particular challenges in bringing all the projects forward.”
“Some £14 million resource DEL and £15 million capital DEL are available in 2016-17 under the Delivering Social Change banner. OFMDFM's social investment fund has made significant progress, with commitments in the region of £58 million and delivery of 25 projects now well under way. Seven projects are now operational, with others expected to follow in the coming months. It is a point that was made by one of my colleagues: go to those organisations and locations where they have identified issues such as educational underachievement and social problems in their community and tell them that SIF was a bad idea.”
“So, I thought that it was only right that the Member was made aware of that. <BR /> <BR />Turning to another issue that Mr Cree raised, depreciation, I assure him that I am not expecting any nasty surprises with the ring-fenced resource DEL budget. The Executive have a significant Budget allocation for non-cash depreciation and impairment costs that is more than adequate to cover departmental requirements. <BR /> <BR />Mr Lunn referred to the social investment fund. He queried the use of the social investment fund to provide training for young people. The Budget for 2016-17 has maintained the level of funding available to the Executive Office to take forward the central funds, which includes the social investment fund and the childcare strategy.”
“<BR /> <BR />In addition, the announcement by Professor Evason today means that it is clear that there will be additional funding for the Executive to consider as part of the June monitoring round process. That will be an issue that, undoubtedly, the Executive will come back to. <BR /> <BR />Mr Lunn came to an issue that is one of concern to his party and that it has raised on numerous occasions. That issue is the cost of division. My Department has commissioned the Northern Ireland Centre for Economic Policy to undertake a review of the cost of division. The study will seek to revisit the previous Deloitte work and will update the methodology and provide a contemporary assessment. The work is well advanced, and my officials have received a draft. I hope to present the final report to the Executive in the coming weeks.”
“<BR /> <BR />On the June monitoring round flexibilities, I am glad that Mr Cree has recognised the difficulties surrounding the Budget. It is because of that that the Executive have agreed that incoming Ministers will have additional flexibility in the June monitoring round. That will allow them to reallocate funding to their priorities within the overall funding envelope set for their Department as part of the Budget. The availability or otherwise of additional funding in the June monitoring round will not affect that flexibility. However, it means that there is still the opportunity for Committees to influence the spending of Departments. I think that that is a point that the Member wanted an assurance on.”
“He gave us a list that I think he deserves answers to because he asked questions that were relevant and pertinent to the issue. He mentioned financial transactions capital. He should have known from the Finance Committee that all FTC to date has been spent, with no funds being returned to Her Majesty's Treasury. Indeed, when I was the Minister for Social Development, I was pleased to be able to allocate a considerable amount of money to co-ownership. I think that co-ownership has been the beneficiary of FTC, and that has helped to deliver affordable housing. I was interested in seeing that we made progress on that. <BR /> <BR />In addition, I can confirm that the Northern Ireland investment fund is expected to become operational this year, and the funding previously allocated to it in 2015-16 has been redistributed to other projects.”
“He is not here, so I can quote him anyway. I kept looking and could not find him. <BR /> <BR />The unemployment rate in the Irish Republic is 9·7%. In Northern Ireland, it is just 6%. Here we have someone who also overlooks the fact that, at the end of December 2015, we had created 39,000 new jobs. Are we going to dismiss that? Are we going to say that it is not important and is something that you can just set aside? I do not think that is the case. Let us then remember, of course, what Mr Nesbitt said when he said that he feared that the rumours are true and that there will be anything from £500 million to £800 million of additional borrowing. I think those comments stand in stark contrast to the reality of the situation. <BR /> <BR />Let me turn to the list of questions that Mr Cree had.”
“Well, he wants to compare us to the Republic of Ireland. In fact, my colleague Mr Poots stole my thunder on the issue —”
“No, I am not going to give way because there are still things that I want to say, and I have only 30 minutes. <BR /> <BR />There was also criticism of the impact that it would have on capital investment. However, it must be remembered that the Stormont Agreement and the implementation plan provided for an additional £100 million for capital projects as well as an additional £50 million for shared education and housing initiatives. Furthermore, the Executive have made the decision to use £25 million of their RRI borrowing for capital projects. So, for borrowing, I think we have clearly seen what the benefit of that particular process is. <BR /> <BR />Let us come to Mr Nesbitt, who is not here. He has already been wrong on the issue of borrowing. He claimed that we had a fantasy Budget for 2015-16, and he was wrong. What is his alternative?”
“No, I am not going to give way because I want to make this point. Some have questioned my qualification to hold this post. I see that some comments were made in relation to that. Let us have a lesson in mathematics. One hundred million pounds of RRI borrowing costs £3 million to £4 million per annum to service, yet that amount spent on the voluntary exit scheme releases over £50 million per annum, meaning the schemes will pay for themselves over a short period of time. Indeed, in 2015-16, the £183 million invested in the scheme will release £149 million in annual savings going forward. So, it is clear to see that those schemes quickly pay for themselves. But, no, some Members just want to say that it is a bad idea. They should tell those in their constituencies who have been able to access the scheme that it was a bad idea.”
“<BR /> <BR />Sometimes, Members in the House seem to forget where we came from in relation to the infrastructure deficit that we face. The use of borrowing for the voluntary exit scheme allows for significant reform of the public sector. It also represents value for money. Let us remember that we were all told by Members how we have to rebalance the economy because we have an overdependence on the public sector. Then, when you bring about a scheme and a means whereby we can achieve that, we are criticised and it is not the right thing to do.”
“Therefore, rather than ignoring the pressures, we have endeavoured, in challenging circumstances, to address them. <BR /> <BR />They also raised the issue of the RRI borrowing. A number of Members raised that particular issue. From accusations of maxing out RRI borrowing to criticism for using it for voluntary exit schemes, there have also been a number of inaccurate figures quoted, and not for the first time, I have to say, when it comes to dealing with Budget issues. The Budget document provides significant detail on RRI borrowing, so the figures should be clear. We are not approaching £3 billion of debt. The projected figure for 2016-17 is £2·1 billion. Although significant, that reflects the infrastructure deficit that the Executive have had to address.”
“It is sad that, yet again, the SDLP comes to the House and is inaccurate in what it says about the impact on policing. We all value and need our Police Service. What the Members said about the policing budget is simply not the case. This Budget sees a reduction to the policing budget limited to 2%, compared with the 5·7% reductions facing unprotected baselines. The reduction to the police budget equates to some £13·8 million. That is based on the opening 2015-16 position. So, when compared to the PSNI's in-year easement of some £26 million, it is clear that that should be achievable. In addition — the Chair of the Justice Committee referred to this — the PSNI has received some £32 million of additional funding in relation to national security issues.”
“It has to be on the basis of ensuring that we identify strategic economic routes that will be of benefit to Northern Ireland, and we have to keep that issue to the fore. My officials will continue to liaise closely with Her Majesty's Treasury on those issues to ensure that any agreement represents the best outcome for Northern Ireland. <BR /> <BR />The Member also raised the issue of the spending review's timing. Indeed, he was correct to say that my predecessor, along with her devolved colleagues, expressed serious reservations to the Chief Secretary of the Treasury about the matter. I will continue to press for a more realistic time frame for subsequent spending reviews for any other person who holds this post after the May elections. <BR /> <BR />Let me turn to the comments made by Claire Hanna and Colum Eastwood.”
“He referred to the memorandum of understanding on the Budget. I understand that my officials have been working with the Committee on that, and I welcome that progress has been made. I also welcome any work that provides realistic improvements to the Budget process and look forward to the development of a memorandum of understanding that can adapt the Budget process and the circumstances that are outside the control of the Executive. <BR /> <BR />The Chair also referred to getting a fair deal on corporation tax and air passenger duty. In working towards an agreement with Her Majesty's Treasury on air passenger duty and corporation tax, it is vital that any arrangements represent a fair deal for Northern Ireland. On the issue of air passenger duty, I have made it very clear that we should not be in the business of creating a sun subsidy.”
“Let us go to the substance — if, in some cases, there was any substance — of some of the things that Members said. I want to make this point as I commence: let us remember where we started with the financial position and the Budget. We started with a shortfall of some £175 million. It was not an easy task to move away from that position to a place where, as one of my colleagues reminded us, we have a Budget that does not have an overcommitment. That is a changed position over the last seven years. <BR /> <BR />Let me turn to Members' comments. I will endeavour to go through some of them but I will not answer them all. Some are, I think, best left to Hansard rather than being given an answer. I will give answers to those where, I believe, genuine issues were raised. <BR /> <BR />Let me turn first to the Committee Chair.”
“This party has ensured that we have taken hard decisions. We have ensured that we have moved from the position that we were in a few months ago when these institutions were ready to collapse and we were ready to see the end of devolution. There are some in the House who think that that is what they would like, but they have changed their position because now they are quite happy to be here and to take their place in the Chamber. In fact, they are even encouraging candidates to stand for election to this House. That is an easy and simple position to adopt.”
“There has been little of substance to some of the comments that have been made. It is very easy to be in a place when you have no decisions to make. It is easy to walk out and to carp from the sides when you do not have decisions to make.”
“I thank the Members and the Committee Chairs for their participation in the debate. I thank the Members who were supportive of the Budget proposals for their input. However, I am not surprised that there are those who are still politically confused in relation to what their real place is in the House, given that we have the SDLP adopting the position it has adopted. It will vote against the Budget, and we have the Alliance Party and the Ulster Unionist Party doing the same. I will come on to some of those issues in a moment. <BR /> <BR />As I am just in post, it was worthwhile to hear the variety of issues that Members raised. Some have been raised over the last few hours with sincerity and with genuineness, but I have to say that there are others who have only been taking part in cheap political point-scoring.”
“I thank the Member for giving way. I trust that he was listening, because he is a Member whom I hold in the highest regard, having worked with him for a number of years. <BR /> <BR />I have listened to the concerns expressed about further and higher education. My predecessor gave a commitment, approved by the Executive, of £5 million. Today, I have given an assurance that we will add £20 million to that. Is it enough? We could go round the Chamber, and people will always be looking for more, but I am listening to the concerns because it is a vital issue.”
“I hope that is what I have presented to this House today. <BR /> <BR />I commend this Budget to the Assembly.”
“<BR /> <BR />Mr Speaker, this represents a balanced Budget with no overcommitment for the first time in many years. That is an improvement on the situation in which our opponents and critics had us last year. Although the outcome may prove challenging, it is better than previously anticipated. Departments should also be well placed to meet these challenges as a result of the decisions already taken by the Executive on voluntary exit schemes and departmental restructuring. <BR /> <BR />To quote Jack Lew, the United States Secretary of the Treasury:”
“This will provide the certainty needed to progress these important projects. <BR /> <BR />I am sure that a number of Members speaking today will undoubtedly disagree with this Budget. That is their right as Members of this House. There will always be differing opinions on Budget allocations. That is true in times of prosperity as well as times of austerity. There will always be those who are prepared to stand up and say what services should be funded. There are not so many who are prepared to listen to the reality that we have finite resources and that extra funding for one thing means less funding for another or more taxes for everyone. I, more than most, having come into this post in recent days, am aware of those particular issues.”
“I want to give the House this assurance because I have seen comments in recent days in relation to this issue and concerns have been raised, and we have also seen the comments from the vice chancellors of our universities. <BR /> <BR />I have a task of work to do over the next number of weeks, and I, as well the Finance Minister after me, whomever they may be, will also have the task of ensuring that we have made all necessary preparations to maximise the benefit of the devolution of corporation tax. A key component of that will undoubtedly be in relation to the skills agenda. I think that is something that we need to keep focused upon. <BR /> <BR />Although this Budget relates only to 2016-17, the Executive have also agreed a number of flagship projects, where capital funding has been agreed up to 2020-2021.”
“In addition to the £5 million provided for skills as part of this Budget, I would also like to state my commitment to providing a further £20 million for skills. This will be funded from the first £20 million available in the June monitoring round. <BR /> <BR />Although this allocation cannot be ratified until the incoming Executive consider the June monitoring paper from the Finance Minister, I feel it is important to provide education institutions with this early indication that the Executive recognise the importance of the skills agenda, especially in light of the upcoming devolution of corporation tax powers, and that significant funding will be provided.”
“They include £133 million to the Department of Health; £15 million to the Department of Justice for legal aid; £20 million to the Department for Infrastructure for road structural maintenance; £40 million to the Department of Education; and £5 million to the Department for the Economy for the skills agenda.”
“I have only commenced. I know that the Member would like to use the debate as an opportunity to revisit the Evason report, whether I still work to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and all those issues, but perhaps he will just give me the opportunity to progress. I have no doubt that he will raise those issues later in the debate, when I will give him the answers that he probably knows I will give him anyway. That will leave him in the position of putting those points on the record, which is what he wanted to do in the first place. <BR /> <BR />I return to the overall funding that is available. The level of funding means that Departments will inevitably face a reduction in resource DEL. The Executive agreed a limited number of allocations to help to address the more significant pressures facing the key public services.”
“<BR /> <BR />As well as funding under the spending review, the Budget includes the significant additional resources provided for 2016-17 under the Fresh Start Agreement. In addition, the Executive agreed to provide £135 million to top up welfare arrangements for Northern Ireland and £5 million match funding to tackle paramilitary activity. Of that funding, £60 million related to tax credits is no longer required for that purpose. While £30 million of that has been used to fund other pressures, the remaining £30 million has been set aside for further Executive consideration following the outcome of Professor Evason’s work. Where appropriate, the Fresh Start —”
“<BR /> <BR />Members will be well aware of the financial environment confronting us in 2016-17 and in the years that follow. The spending review outcome may not have been as bleak as was originally feared, but we still face significant real-terms reductions in funding. It is impossible continually to do more with less. Therefore, the challenge facing the Executive is to ensure that we do the right things. That will mean confronting difficult decisions on what the public sector should and should not do. In that context, it is imperative that the reform and transformation of the public sector, which commenced under Budget 2015-16, continues and that the process is allowed to progress.”
“It is regrettable that we were not able to have the usual extensive public consultation. However, I am aware that my officials have engaged with key stakeholders, and I am sure that other Departments have been doing likewise. In addition, the Executive have agreed that new Ministers will have the flexibility to realign departmental budgets to reflect their priorities in the first monitoring round of the year. That means that there will still be an opportunity for Assembly Committees and other stakeholders to influence those decisions. <BR /> <BR />I do not intend to rehearse the detail of my predecessor’s written statement on the Budget. Members now have a Budget document that provides additional information. I would, however, like to make a few key points before we debate and vote on the 2016-17 Budget.”
“There were challenges when I came into post in DSD, and there were challenges when I came into the Finance Department. However, I think that we have endeavoured and, over the past number of months, have been able to overcome those difficulties and deal with those challenges. Those challenges came from the constrained timescale due to the late spending review announcement and the fact that it was produced on the basis of nine future Departments. It is testament to the collegiate approach of Ministers and their officials that it has been possible to agree a Budget within the timescale necessary to fulfil the commitment in the Fresh Start Agreement. That has taken considerable effort and work on everybody's part.”
“I am pleased that one of my first duties as Finance Minister is to bring to the House today the Budget for 2016-17. In any Administration, it is the Budget that underpins the delivery of services and, ultimately, plays a key role in the success or otherwise of those services. In agreeing a Budget for 2016-17, the Executive have provided a stable and balanced platform on which incoming Ministers and their new Departments will be able to build. It provides support for our key public services, helps protect the vulnerable in our society and paves a way for the new Executive to agree a multi-year Budget from 2017-18 to 2019-2020, which will reflect the priorities in the new Programme for Government. <BR /> <BR />The Budget process has not been without its challenges. It seems as though, when I come into post, there are always challenges.”
“The Member is right about the concerns that have been expressed. An element of that refers to the work of and the decisions taken by the Environment Minister. The authorities have been speaking to the Minister about that. In my previous role, I gave commitments and was in the process of working with local authorities on another element of their budget. I am now in the position of Finance Minister, but, in all these things, I am more than conscious of the concerns that they have. As Finance Minister, as, I trust, I did when in DSD, I will have an open-door policy for local authorities and anyone else who comes in with concerns. The Member makes the point well on their behalf. <BR /> <BR />I commend the Second Stage of the Bill to the Assembly.”
“I thank the Member for his intervention. I will come back to him shortly to confirm when we will meet. We will have a lengthy discussion on the issue. He makes his point well. It is not my place to put that issue aside and not give it the consideration that it deserves. <BR /> <BR />In conclusion, I thank Members for their contributions to the debate.”
“by DFP through subordinate legislation. We will, I think, get into a bit of a debate about where the appreciable degree of physical effort comes from. In that case, it comes more from the pigeon than from the pigeon owner. I am happy to give way to the Member.”
“I am happy to meet him to have a discussion, because he raises a concern, as we all have to do as public representatives when we are lobbied on an issue. If you have a particular interest or have a particular organisation come to you, it is right and proper that we give due consideration to whatever that issue is. However, the Bill may not be the best vehicle for extending rate relief to pigeon clubs. <BR /> <BR />I will quote article 31 of the 1977 Order, which details prescribed recreation. Maybe the Member will think it through, and we will then have a discussion on it. It states:”
“Community amateur sports clubs in the rest of the United Kingdom get the same mandatory relief — 80% — as sports and recreation facilities occupying those properties. To qualify for discretionary top-up relief in GB, providing up to 100% relief, a community amateur sports club must satisfy additional criteria set out by the local authority. There is that slight variation, and it cuts across local government. Slight additional criteria are set out by the local authorities. <BR /> <BR />Mr Middleton also raised the issue of empty retail units. I think that we have covered that in our response to other Members. <BR /> <BR />Let me come on to the issue raised by Mr Swann about pigeons. It is no anomaly that Mr Swann raises an issue to do with pigeons, but I am not going to make a play on words about his name.”
“However, when other issues come our way, whether it is an issue of rating or whatever, it is only right and proper that we have an open mind. The review has a far-reaching remit, and we will look at all aspects of non-domestic rating in the round. I am aware that, in my constituency, for example, conversations and meetings have been held. We have taken note of some of the comments made by some of the retailers in our constituency, particularly those about Ballymena. I also note the point raised by the Member for South Belfast about accelerated passage, and I think that I have addressed those issues. <BR /> <BR />Mr Cree raised concerns around community amateur sports clubs and policy in GB.”
“I know that, as a result of the revaluation, elements of the retail sector have spoken to us, even prior to me taking the post of Finance Minister, about their belief they were treated unfairly, with a huge jump from what they had paid previously to what they were now being asked to pay. I am conscious of those issues. That is why there is an attempt in the Bill to be as balanced and as fair as we can, although I think that Mr Swann might not appreciate that that is the case. We have that challenge. <BR /> <BR />Ms Hanna also referred to clause 1 and asked whether there were wider plans for reviewing the policy. I have to have an open mind. Having come into the post, I take on board much of what has been done heretofore.”
“The answer most likely lies outside the rating system, but I trust that we have endeavoured to our do our part. We led the way with an empty shops rates concession, with 525 businesses getting up and running in Northern Ireland with a 50% discount off their rates for the first year. <BR /> <BR />Elsewhere, we have seen the beneficial effects of the re-evaluation exercise in getting prime retail areas back into occupation in Belfast city centre. I am well aware that it is always a challenge — I think that Mr McCallister referred to this — for Ministers and Departments to get policy and practice as fair and as equitable as is possible.”
“She is not present, but I thank Claire Hanna for her comments about my appointment. I look forward to carrying out my role and my responsibility to the best of my ability. It is a daunting task; however, that should never put you off trying to raise the bar for your personal achievements in life, and I thank the First Minister for giving me that privilege. <BR /> <BR />The Member raised the issue of empty retail units and asked what more we were doing on that. As I said in my opening comments, we all face this in our constituencies, to a lesser or greater degree. What I would say about the commercial window display is that that is only one measure. The issue of vacant retail space is complex and has many causes, and a variety of initiatives will be required to address it.”
“That issue needs some more time to be thought through. The other issue is that we will want to do it in consultation with local authorities because we would not want to just present it to them and not give them the opportunity to raise concerns.”
“Some said that they wanted those powers and were disappointed that we had made the decision not to proceed. Others took the view that, because of the change from 26 councils to the new 11 councils, there is a bedding-in period and there are many challenges. The Member, who comes from the same constituency as me, will know that, in our council, where previously you were dealing with four authorities, you are now dealing with one. It is a particular challenge, and we see played out on an almost weekly basis the issues between Ballycastle, Ballymoney, Coleraine and Limavady. It becomes very parochial, and I suppose that is also a huge challenge for the other authorities. <BR /> <BR />I am sure that the Member would not want a system that risks or inadequately places another pressure on local government.”
“That is, in turn, dependent on the date when the Bill receives Royal Assent. As I stated, in-year implementation during 2016-17 may be possible, subject to the consultation outcomes and the view of Land and Property Services. Obviously, there are considerations that we have to take into account as far as land and property is concerned. <BR /> <BR />The Chair also referred to local government. While I take the Member's point regarding local government discretion, this issue needs to be treated with care. As a previous Minister for Social Development, I know all too well the concerns that local government has at this time in relation to giving local authorities additional powers. There was a mixed view out there on the regeneration powers.”
“I think that it was the Chair who gave us the figures on the number of rugby clubs that had licensed premises, and I think that there are only two or three that do not. Those that do are in receipt of 80% relief from their rate, so I do not think that it is a fair representation to say that one element of amateur sport provision, particularly one that makes an invaluable contribution to our communities, is somehow now disadvantaged and is not being given the same priority or importance: it is. Under the existing rules, they have that 80% relief, and I think that they value and appreciate that. <BR /> <BR />The Chair asked when the sport and recreation enhancement regulations would be in place. The regulations will be taken forward following the commencement of the Bill.”
“Likewise, as I noted, the Bill is subject to a sunset clause to allow for a trial period, so I think that that, in a sense, gives us some specific focus in relation to the duration. Might we look at extending it? First, we need to see how it goes in the trial period. My successor or I, whoever it will be, will then give consideration to the future of that issue. <BR /> <BR />The Department will also shortly undertake the targeted specific consultation for an eight-week period on the use of the enabling power. It will set out the details of the scheme in the subordinate legislation. That covers, to some degree, the issue that Mr McCallister raised. That will give opportunities to sports clubs to comment on the proposals and to give their view. <BR /> <BR />I will deal with the issue of rugby clubs.”
“I thank Members for their contributions. The comments have been interesting. We have gone from Mr Swann taking flight in relation to pigeons to Mr McCallister advocating — rightly so — for rugby clubs, as well as other comments. I trust that I will come to each in turn in a few moments. <BR /> <BR />First of all, I want to address the issues raised by the Chair. Again I place on record our appreciation and thanks to the Committee and the Chair for the way in which they have approached this issue. The Chair raised the issue of controls and safeguards, particularly the window displays provision. I want to give him some assurance on that. The Bill contains a power to limit the area to which the new power applies.”