HC Deb 25 February 1982 vol 18 cc967-9
1. Mr. McCusker

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will explain the weighted majority procedure he intends to introduce in his proposals for a devolved Government in Northern Ireland.

7. Mr. Stanbrook

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on his proposals for the constitutional future of Northern Ireland.

14. Mr. Arnold

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statment about his timetable for futher constitutional development in Northern Ireland.

19. Mr. Eggar

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects to publish his proposals on the future governmental structure of Northern Ireland.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

My talks with the Northern Ireland political parties are continuing. I have discussed various options with them. I am convinced that there is now an overwhelming desire for a move towards greater politic al responsibility to be exercised within the Province. My task is to seek to narrow the area of difference between the parties so that a transfer of power is not only desirable but effective. In due course I hope to bring firm proposals before the House.

Mr. McCusker

Bearing in mind what has been said about a weighted majority, does the Secretary of State see that in the context of a percentage of the total membership of any such Assembly, or as a percentage of those who would vote on any particular issue? Considering how difficult it would be to get a 70 per cent. consensus on any issue in this House or any other elected Assembly, is he not in danger of putting an instrumental barrier before those elected to an Assembly in Northern Ireland? Would it not, therefore, be better if he put the onus on the wreckers, who will not want to make any progress in such an Assembly, to get their troops into the lobby against progress rather than putting it on those who may be trying to get an agreement?

Mr. Prior

These are all matters that I am considering and, of course, one of those matters is the weighted majority. I take note of the hon. Gentleman's views on turning the onus round the other way. However, it is too early to draw any definite conclusions from the talks that I have had.

Mr. Arnold

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that the Official Unionist Party remains committed to the local exercise of power and supports the principle of devolution?

Mr. Prior

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Molyneaux

Has the Secretary of State noticed that in my hon. Friend's original question he used the words "devolved Government" and not "devolved Assembly"? Is the Secretary of State aware that if disaster is to be avoided, any such Government must have real power from day one? Is he further aware that a powerless Assembly would merely create and generate friction between the political parties in Northern Ireland and inflict further damage on the economy of Northern Ireland?

Mr. Prior

These are all matters for further discussion, but I am not of the opinion that it is necessary for all the powers of a devolved Government to be exercised from day one, although the power should be available from day one for transfer if the circumstances that the Government consider necessary are met.

Mr. Eggar

Whatever the details of my right hon. Friend's proposal, is not the lasting lesson of what has happened over the past 10 tragic years that no lasting solution is possible within Northern Ireland so long as there is direct rule? In itself, is that not a justification for my right hon. Friend's initiatives?

Mr. Prior

I am absolutely convinced that there is a growing desire in Northern Ireland for the establishment of responsible political institutions and that the long-term stability that they might provide can offer a sound basis for tackling Northern Ireland's many political, economic and security problems. I am anxious to build on that desire, as are the people of Northern Ireland.

Mr. Concannon

Is the Secretary of State aware that I have probably heard on five occasions the words "overwhelming desire" and "growing desire" for an initiative in Northern Ireland. All that I can do, I think, is to counsel caution. Another failure would take us back behind the point where matters now stand. I would prefer to see the Secretary of State get things right rather than that he should think that he has to come to the House now with an initiative. It would be better if he waited until the time was absolutely right.

Mr. Prior

I am grateful for what the right hon. Gentleman says. Anyone who embarks upon a programme of trying to devolve responsibility back to Northern Ireland is bound to find the going difficult and perhaps controversial. At the same time, I believe that the returning of political responsibility to the Province can do more than anything to help both the security situation and the serious economic plight that the people of Northern Ireland face.

Mr. Peter Robinson

Will the Secretary of State assure the House that if he adopts the British practice of a weighted majority he will ensure that it is a fixed weighted majority and not a weighted majority with which he can tamper after the Assembly has voted in that particular strength? In that way the Assembly will know the criteria for success before the game starts.

Mr. Prior

This is obviously a matter to which I shall give great consideration. I am, however, encouraged by the sort of questions I have been asked today and by the interest that has been shown in the whole idea of a devolved Assembly and the weighted majority.