§ 13. Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on his talks with Mr. Brian Faulkner on 12th April.
§ Mr. WhitelawMr. Faulkner and I met on 12th April and had a brief general discussion. We agreed in principle to have future meetings which I look forward to arranging.
§ Mr. MillsMay I inform my right hon. Friend without rancour or bitterness and in a constructive spirit that he has not yet by his activities earned the confidence and respect of the majority of the people of Northern Ireland, something which is absolutely essential for a fruitful period in this new responsibility?
§ Mr. WhitelawI must accept what my hon. Friend, who has considerable experience of Northern Ireland, says. It will be my constant desire to prove to the people there that what I say I mean; that I really can be believed. At the moment I find it difficult to achieve both of these rather simple ends.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesAs Mr. Faulkner in recent weeks has criticised the existence of no-go areas, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether Mr. Faulkner has explained why he allowed these areas to exist during his Prime Ministership?
§ Mr. WhitelawI did not discuss these matters—[Interruption.]—and I do not intend to bandy words about the past. I intend to be extremely careful not to do that. If Mr. Faulkner wishes to criticise what I am doing, that is his affair. I do not seek to reply.