Matters for consideration by Assembly pending general suspension of direct rule.
3
1
During any period for which no Order is in force under paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section 2 above, the Assembly—
a
may, without prejudice to its powers by virtue of any Order under paragraph (b) of that subsection, consider any matter affecting Northern Ireland which is not an excepted matter;
b
shall consider any matter affecting Northern Ireland (whether or not an excepted matter) which is referred to it by the Secretary of State.
2
Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1)(b) above, the Secretary of State may refer to the Assembly for its consideration—
a
any proposal for the making of an Order under paragraph 1(1)(b) of Schedule 1 to the Northern Ireland Act 1974;
b
any instrument or draft of an instrument to which paragraph 3 of that Schedule applies;
but the reference to the Assembly under this section of an instrument or draft shall not be regarded for the purposes of the said paragraph 3 as laying it before the Assembly.
3
The Assembly may report to the Secretary of State the views expressed in the Assembly on any matter considered by it under this section and shall do so if the Secretary of State so requests; and any such request may require the report to be made within a specified period.
4
The Secretary of State shall lay before Parliament any report received by him under this section which relates to a transferred matter considered by the Assembly under subsection (1)(a) above or to a matter which has been referred to it under this section by the Secretary of State.
5
For the purposes of section 26(1) of the Constitution Act (privilege) any report made under this section shall be treated as an official record of the proceedings of the Assembly.
Act repealed (2.12.1999) by 1998 c. 47, s. 100(2), Sch. 15 (with s. 95); S.I. 1999/3209, art. 2, Sch.