§ 11. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on which of the official working parties considering possible new institutional structures with the Republic of Ireland officials of his Department are represented.
§ Mr. Humphrey AtkinsI refer my hon. Friend to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave to the hon. Member for Belfast, East (Mr. Robinson) on 2 February.
§ Mr. McNair-WilsonIn the discussion about new institutional structures will my right hon. Friend say whether extradition is on the agenda and whether he or those involved in the working parties are considering drawing up either a new agreement or a new treaty with the Republic of Ireland to clarify the situation?
§ Mr. AtkinsThe range of discussions that are taking place was fully covered in my right hon. Friend's statement and in the communique issued after the meeting in Dublin with the Taoiseach. The range of matters which are to be discussed by the two Governments was spelt out there, and officials are currently doing the preparatory work prior to reporting to the Heads of Governments before their next meeting.
§ Mr. KilfedderWill the right hon. Gentleman now come clean with the people of Northern Ireland and state exactly what the guide lines are in the discussions that are taking place in Dublin at the Anglo-Eire study group?
§ Mr. AtkinsThose guide lines were clearly spelt out in the answer that my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Belfast, East on 2 February.
§ Mr. Stephen RossWhile I welcome the discussions, may I ask the Secretary of State to give us more information about what is taking place in the debate that is now fixed for next Wednesday? Can we be given further information about what progress has been made?
§ Mr. AtkinsI have no official knowledge of what is happening next Wednesday.