§ 2. Mr. McMasterasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what communications he has received from Republican sources in the past four weeks with respect to a cease-fire in Northern Ireland; and what reply has been given by, or on behalf of, Her Majesty's Government.
§ The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr. William Whitelaw)As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister told the House on 30th November, no direct approaches have been made either by the Official or by the Provisional IRA.
§ Mr. McMasterDoes the Secretary of State now agree that it would be a mistake to negotiate in any way with the official or unofficial IRA?
§ Mr. WhitelawThere is no question of negotiating with them at all. If they want a cease-fire, they can stop shooting.