'Chaos' warning in relation to North bill in Commons

A measure which paves the way for the devolution of justice and policing in the North could lead to “chaos” for law in the province, the SDLP warned today.

Party spokesman Eddie McGrady said the Northern Ireland Bill, being debated by MPs, could lead to a situation where theNorth had a justice department without a minister or vice versa.

Describing the legislation as “defective”, Mr McGrady warned it could set up a “very dangerous situation”.

The concerns follow a deal struck by Democratic Unionists and Sinn Féin last November which brought an end to five months of deadlock at Stormont over the devolution of policing and justice powers.

They agreed that neither party would hold the new justice ministry, which instead would be decided on a cross-community vote of politicians at the Assembly. Under the powersharing structures at Stormont ministerial posts are usually appointed under the D’Hondt system in line with the strength of the parties – which the SDLP say would entitle them to the ministry.

The new selection process is to be reviewed in 2012, raising concerns about further deadlock on the issue.

During Commons debate, Mr McGrady said: “The legislation means that after the 2011 Assembly elections, there can be an indefinite period where there will be a department of justice without a minister.

“Worse, this legislation means that unless by May 2012 the Assembly has agreed a permanent model for the devolution of justice or indeed the Secretary of State intervenes at that point then it will be the other way around – we will have a minister for justice without a department for justice.

“That is what this Bill is saying. This of course is a very dangerous position - no department of justice would be simply chaos for justice and law in Northern Ireland.”

But Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward said the Bill had the “confidence” of Assembly members.

He told MPs: “The elected representatives of the people of Northern Ireland, having gone through their Assembly and executive review committee, have asked that we give legislative form to their agreement of November and January.

“In that sense, this Bill not only has confidence but has ’Made in Northern Ireland’ firmly stamped upon it.”