Bills affecting trade between Northern Ireland and other parts of the United Kingdom

1 This section applies where a Minister of the Crown in charge of a Bill in either House of Parliament is of the view that the Bill as introduced into that House contains provision which, if enacted, would affect trade between Northern Ireland and other parts of the United Kingdom. 2 The Minister in charge of the Bill must, before Second Reading of the Bill in the House in question, make— a a statement to the effect that in the Minister’s view the Bill does not contain provision which, if enacted, would have a significant adverse effect on trade between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom, or b a statement to the effect that the Minister is unable to make such a statement but His Majesty’s Government nevertheless wishes the House to proceed with the Bill. 3 A statement under this section must be in writing and be published in such manner as the Minister considers appropriate.