Official Report 66KB pdf
We move on now to four negative instruments. The first concerns general medical services. We have already made representations to the Executive seeking consolidation on numerous matters in national health service regulations. However, our legal advice is that this is a matter of special urgency and that to seek consolidation might cause a delay.
Although I believe that the instrument does not breach the 21-day rule, even if it did, we should not stand on our dignity on this matter. The Dr Shipman case is relevant, and I think that we should approve the instrument.
Yes—we do not need to go into policy; I think that we can see where the Executive is coming from, and we fully support it.
No points arise from the next instrument, which simply makes provision for the enforcement of European Community legislation governing fishery quotas. Shall we simply note the instrument?
Nothing arises from the housing revenue account instrument, which is a technical matter. Again, shall we simply note the instrument?
The last instrument is on peanuts from Egypt. Ian Jenkins and I were talking earlier and neither of us knew that peanuts were produced in Egypt; we had assumed that they came from elsewhere in Africa. This matter breaches the 21-day rule; however, emergency legislation is required and health problems could arise unless steps are taken. The explanation for breaching the 21-day rule seems acceptable.