HC Deb 15 November 1973 vol 864 cc639-40
1. Mr. O'Halloran

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what further plans he has for a meeting with the Prime Minister of the Irish Republic.

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

I have no plans at present for such a meeting.

Mr. O'Halloran

I am sorry to hear that. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the statement which was made by Dr. Fitzgerald, the Foreign Minister of Eire, in Dublin on Tuesday regarding the progress which has been made by his Government towards the future conference on a Council of Ireland? Will he tell us what progress has been made here and when he hopes that the conference will take place?

Mr. Whitelaw

I do not think that the hon. Gentleman should be sorry. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister saw the Prime Minister of the Republic not long ago. There are always opportunities for further meetings as and when appropriate. As the hon. Gentleman will know, Dr. Fitzgerald saw me last week. I had confidential discussions with him. I do not wish to go further at present.

Mr. Kilfedder

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is grave discontent in Northern Ireland because of the comments reportedly made by the Foreign Minister of the Irish Republican Government that he wants a Council of Ireland with powers which would interfere with the internal affairs of Northern Ireland? When my right hon. Friend next meets Dr. Fitzgerald, will he tell him that the people of Northern Ireland do not wish the constitution of Eire any longer to claim sovereignty over Northern Ireland?

Mr. Whitelaw

I shall stick to the point which I have made. I have had discussions with Dr. Fitzgerald. Those discussions were confidential. Dr. Fitzgerald is entitled to make his speeches and I am entitled to make mine. I think that we will stay where we are.

Mr. Orme

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House any indication of how soon he hopes that even exploratory tripartite talks may take place on a wide basis about a Council of Ireland?

Mr. Whitelaw

As the hon. Gentleman will be the first to appreciate, the negotiations which I am conducting are at a delicate stage. I would rather say nothing at present. I realise the need for urgency.