§ 7. Mr. Douglasasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a further statement on the meetings he has had with representatives of political parties in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. WhitelawFollowing the publication of the paper for discussion, I have been having further talks with representatives of political parties in Northern Ireland, of the churches, and of both sides of industry. These talks have been valuable and have enabled me to discuss the considered reactions of various sections of opinion in Northern Ireland to the points made in the paper for discussion.
§ Mr. DouglasI thank the Secretary of State for that answer. Has he indicated to the political parties the date that he expects to set for the border poll, and told them of some of the contents of his White Paper?
§ Mr. WhitelawNo, I did not indicate that to the political parties—for the very good reason that I shall be answering Questions on this subject at the conclusion of Question Time. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will agree that the right place to give answers is in the 595 House. As for the White Paper, I have made no commitment and will not do so.
§ Mr. OrmeIs the Secretary of State aware that we are very pleased that discussions have begun with the SDLP? We understand that the right hon. Gentleman had a meeting with that party. Has he anything to say about those discussions, and will they continue with the SDLP, the NILP, the Unionist Party, and so on?
§ Mr. WhitelawI made it clear that I would not say anything about the discussions. I was interested to hear their views. They are entitled to express to the Press, as they have done, what they said to me. I have kept my side of the discussions confidential, as is right and proper, before I report to my colleagues.