§ 8. Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals he has for reforming the law concerning homosexuality in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesAs I told the House on 2nd July I have invited views, including those of the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights, on the question of amending the law relating to homosexuality in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. FreudI am grateful for that reply, but does the Secretary of State accept that there is a gross disparity between the treatment of homosexuals in Northern Ireland and those in the rest of Great Britain? For the time 857 being, will he try to make the life of homosexuals in Northern Ireland no more uncomfortable than it is in the rest of the country?
§ Mr. ReesI understand the disparity and I think that I ought to listen to the views of the people in Northern Ireland and of the public representatives. I cannot say that this is the most important problem in their minds, but it exists. The last part of the hon. Gentleman's question is a matter for the Chief Constable and the Director of Public Prosecutions. I maintain a distance because I in no sense ought to interfere in those matters.
§ Mr. GoodhartWhat plans does the Secretary of State have to test ordinary public opinion in Northern Ireland on this and other social issues when a change in Northern Ireland legislation is contemplated?
§ Mr. ReesI have not decided on any particular method of doing that. I think there are means of finding out, but at the end of the day it will be a matter for this Parliament, as is the case with the situation in any other part of the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. BradfordIs it not possible that in the case of homosexuality Great Britain could take a lead from the legislation that exists in Northern Ireland?
§ Mr. ReesIf the hon. Gentleman is asking me, the answer is "No". I think that in this respect we are right and Northern Ireland is wrong.