Convention (Hansard, 23 October 1975)

§ 2 Mr. Farr
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the work of the Convention.

§ 3 Mr. Biggs-Davison
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will make a statement about the Constitutional Convention.

§ Mr. Merlyn Rees
I understand that several of the parties in the Convention have tabled draft reports for discussion, and that the Convention is meeting today to decide which of these drafts to debate. The Chairman has told me that the Convention expects to complete its final report by 7th November, the date on which the Convention will automatically cease to sit under the Northern Ireland Act 1974. There will therefore be no need for me to extend its life.

§ Mr. Farr
In view of the recent initiative by some members of the Vanguard Party, if a majority report is received from the Convention will the right hon. Gentleman consider sending it back, to see whether it is possible to hammer out a 691 unanimous recommendation in the months that lie ahead during the extension period?

§ Mr. Rees
I understand the difficulties for hon. Members when I speak in this way, but I think it would be better for me to see the nature of the report that I receive from the Convention before making any comment about what I might do on receiving it. I must indicate to the House that I see a continuing political dialogue taking place in Northern Ireland.

§ Mr. Biggs-Davison
When we recall the gloom that surrounded the opening of the Convention, is it not a hopeful sign that all parties have shown so much forbearance and good will in pursuit of an acceptable constitution? Should we not acknowledge the distinguished chairmanship of Sir Robert Lowry?
Secondly, is the time now coming when Convention members, who are so often beseiged by constituents with problems and opinions, will have access to Ministers and will be enabled to supplement the diligent efforts of Ulster Members in the House?

§ Mr. Rees
I add my words of praise to all those in the Convention, including the Chairman, who has played such a valuable part in the Convention's proceedings. What I must be absolutely insistent about is that those elected to the Convention were elected to consider the future government of Northern Ireland. They are not there to usurp the position of elected Members to this House, to whom I am responsible. I feel very strongly about that. On the other hand, I understand the feelings of Convention members in Northern Ireland. In a limited way I have asked the Ministers who work with me to take due notice of their feelings. I return to my first point, namely, that the Convention was not elected to take the place of the House of Commons.

§ Mr. Fitt
My right hon. Friend has said that the life of the Convention will terminate on 7th November. Is he prepared to grant an extension? Will he tell us what the situation will be if the report from the Convention is brought to this House some time in November? When will the House be given the opportunity to debate the report and to pass an opinion?

§ Mr. Rees
Without wishing to shelter behind the reply that the question of time for debates is not a matter for me, all I can say is that the House will have to consider the report. That much is clear. The Government and I will need a period of time to consider it. I have said that the report will come to the House. That is its purpose. I hesitate to use the words, because I find that they have a different meaning in law, but on the night of 7th November at midnight the Convention will be dissolved. It has the same sort of meaning as prorogation, I should add, but it will be dissolved. Whether it is called back is a matter for me. I must have an open mind on that. In the shorter period, I also have to take into account what happens to the Convention members when the Convention is dissolved and there is no chance of their meeting. I am considering all of those points. It will be better for me to say more when I have had the report.

§ Mr. Kilfedder
Will the right hon. Gentleman think again about this matter and try to make an early announcement about the extension of the life of the Convention? It is important that after 7th November there should be a Convention in which members can consider the comments which this House may wish to make on any report or reports presented by the Convention.

§ Mr. Rees
I understand the point. I must make it clear, using the words in the Act, that at midnight on 7th November the Convention will be dissolved. I take the point about those who are elected and what will happen to them in the period before we may or may not go back to them. I am sensible of the point, but I do not think I should comment until I see the nature of the report.