HC Deb 08 February 1973 vol 850 cc625-7
4. Mr. Stratton Mills

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will introduce legislation so as to have a plebiscite of the people of Northern Ireland on the terms of the proposed White Paper; and if he will make a statement.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr. William Whitelaw)

I have no plans to do so.

Mr. Mills

We naturally recognise the sovereignty of Parliament in this matter and also the difficulties of having a plebiscite on such a complex issue as the White Paper. But does my right hon. Friend nevertheless recognise the vital importance of ensuring a broad cross-section of support of the people of Northern Ireland to endorse and accept the proposals in the White Paper? Will he bear that in mind when considering whether to have some form of mechanism by which that could be done?

Mr. Whitelaw

I bear very much in mind what my hon Friend says about the need for broad acceptance of the White Paper. If I went further than that I might be seeking to anticipate what might be in the White Paper.

Mr. Kilfedder

Will my right hon. Friend give an assurance to the House that the White Paper will be put to the people of Northern Ireland in the form of a plebiscite, because the proposals in the White Paper are bound to be complex and inter-related and it will be impossible for ordinary people in Northern Ireland to vote on them? They should be given an opportunity to deliberate upon them quietly and reasonably.

Mr. Whitelaw

I am most anxious that the people in Northern Ireland should deliberate quietly and reasonably on these matters, but if my hon. Friend believes that the proposals would be so complex that they would be difficult for people to understand, it is difficult on that basis to believe that it is right to put the proposals in the terms of a referendum or a plebiscite.

7. Captain Orr

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he can yet announce the date of publication of the White Paper on the future constitution of Northern Ireland.

Mr. Whitelaw

No, Sir.

Captain Orr

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, while all rational people in Ulster who believe in the democratic process will deplore yesterday's and last night's events, one of the contributory factors is the uncertainty about the political future? Will my right hon. Friend at least confirm that he understands the need to publish what he has to say about the future constitution as soon as possible after the result of the referendum?

Mr. Whitelaw

I noticed a slight trap at the end of my hon. and gallant Friend's question. I am not in any way committing myself as to when the White Paper will be published, because I do not know. Of course, we understand that uncertainty is one of the problems, but I do not accept that uncertainty was the basic reason behind the troubles yesterday and at other times.

Mr. Orme

We read in the Press reports from both Northern Ireland and the Republic that there might be some delay in the White Paper after yesterday's events. Will the Secretary of State assure us that he will not be deflected from producing the White Paper as soon as possible?

Mr. Whitelaw

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for asking me that question. There will be no question of deviating from the course we have chosen to pursue, which has been backed by this Parliament throughout, because of any events that take place. Those who think that they will divert us are making a great mistake.

Rev. Ian Paisley

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that the White Paper is not yet written? Will he also assure the House that the uncompleted political discussions with political parties that he has promised to pursue will take place before he makes up his mind on the issue of the White Paper?

Mr. Whitelaw

I assure the hon. Gentleman that my colleagues and I have not made up our minds on the contents of the White Paper. Equally, I have said that I am prepared to have further discussions on the White Paper. I am certainly prepared to have discussions with the hon. Gentleman and his party, which, as he appreciates, we have not yet had.