§ 12. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Lord Privy Seal, further to the reply of the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Brigg and Scunthorpe (Mr. Brown) Official Report,25 March, column 332, when he expects the joint studies between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland to be completed.
§ Sir Ian GilmourIt is not possible at this stage to predict when the joint studies will be completed.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonWill my right hon. Friend acknowledge that lack of information, particularly on the Foreign Office role, has aroused dangerous suspicions in Northern Ireland that enabled the hon. Member for Antrim, North (Rev. Ian Paisley) to march himself up and down into a medacious frenzy and contributed to the electoral absurdity in Fermanagh and South Tyrone? May we have a statement soon?
§ Sir Ian GilmourI agree with the description of certain events but I do not agree with the causality ascribed to them by my hon. Friend, with respect to him. He will be aware that my hon. Friend the Prime Minister said
the studies are being conducted by both sides on a basis of confidentiality. When complete they will be submitted to the Taoiseach and myself and will be considered by the two Governments".—[Official Report, 25 March 1981; Vol. 1, c. 332.]I am sure that my hon. Friend, on reflection, will consider this an entirely proper course of action.