HC Deb 18 June 1981 vol 6 cc1168-9
8. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he intends to propose any changes to the way in which the Province is governed.

Mr. Humphrey Atkins

For the immediate future, direct rule must continue and an order seeking its renewal for a further year was laid before Parliament earlier this week. As for the longer term, now that the local elections in Northern Ireland are over, I am considering how best to encourage the political development that the Government remain determined to achieve.

Mr. McNair-Wilson

Building upon the answer given by the Secretary of State, particularly regarding the newly elected district councils, may I ask whether this is the opportunity to consider what powers currently exercised by the Department of Environment might be given to those district councils?

Mr. Atkins

Yes, Sir. As my hon. Friend knows, there are a number of constraints. One is the size and income of the local authorities, some of which control very small areas and very small numbers of people. The other is, I am sorry to say, that there remains in Northern Ireland a substantial minority of people who feel that power should not be restored to district councils for fear of its misuse.

Mr. Ron Brown

Does the Minister agree that one way to improve the government of Northern Ireland is to withdraw the troops, albeit on a phased basis? Recognising the various problems that have been discussed, do the Government accept that we can deal with the various terrorists, whether on one side or the other, by setting up a people's militia based on the trade union movement? [Interruption.] Conservative Members may laugh, but if we are to deal with the situation in Northern Ireland we mist consider things like that. Otherwise, we shall never get out of the mess. I believe that Protestant and Catholic workers—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman has put his question.

Mr. Atkins

I hardly think that the hon. Gentleman's propositions would ensure either better government or peace and quiet in Northern Ireland.