§ 15. Mr. Canavanasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will make a further statement about the progress of his talks with political leaders in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. MasonProgress depends on the willingness of the parties in Northern Ireland to make it. It is unrealistic to expect quick results. What is needed is patience, tolerance and freedom from the glare of publicity.
§ Mr. CanavanBearing in mind that most people of various political complexions are utterly sickened at the recent re-emergence of violence in Northern Ireland, is it not now time for the Government themselves to take some political 1600 initiative? The only suggestions that we seem to hear from Opposition Members are demands for capital punishment and internment, which would simply help the terrorists recruit more people.
§ Mr. MasonI entirely agree with my hon. Friend's latter remarks. The difficulty with taking initiatives in Northern Ireland is the number of factions in the political parties and their religious bases, which would cause them to split asunder with no chance of making progress. If we are to find a solution it will have to come from the political parties within the Province, and the framework is designed to achieve that.