asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consultations he has had with local authorities in Northern Ireland about the Order, dated 31st March, 1972, transferring local authority functions to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

My right hon. Friend was not personally involved in consultations with local authorities about this Order. The Housing Executive Act (Northern Ireland), 1971 provides that the housing functions of local authorities should be transferred to the Housing Executive and the Order was made in accordance with the provisions of that Act. I understand that local authorities were fully consulted before the passing of the Housing Executive Act.