§ 5. Mr. Marlowasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to what extent his policy that Northern Ireland should remain part of the United Kingdom until the people of Northern Ireland choose otherwise, also includes the intention to encourage the permanent union of Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
§ Mr. PriorThe Government are committed to the principle of self-determination as provided for in section 1 of the Northern Ireland Constitution Act 1973. The permanence of the union between Great Britain and Northern Ireland remains a matter for the people of Northern Ireland, Her Majesty's Government and this Parliament.
§ Mr. MarlowDoes my right hon. Friend agree that if the Government were to say that they wanted Northern Ireland to remain part of the United Kingdom in perpetuity, that would be good news for the law abiding Unionist majority, Protestant and Catholic alike, would be bad news for the minority men of violence who believe that they are embarked on a war of attrition and that, with one last kick, a British Government will concede to them unification with the Irish Republic? If that is the case, will he state now that he wishes Northern Ireland to remain part of the United Kingdom in perpetuity?
§ Mr. PriorThis is a difficult and delicate subject. I shall say three things. First, consent and self-determination are the important factors. Secondly, we should seek to show that there are great advantages for all the people of Northern Ireland in remaining part of the United Kingdom. Thirdly, we have to recognise that there is a problem of identity for parts of the minority community, and if we can recognise that problem sensibly I believe that all the people of Northern Ireland will wish to remain part of the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. FlanneryDoes the Minister agree with the verdict of history that it was the men of violence who took Ireland over a long time ago? That frame of mind is still perpetuated in certain Conservative Members. Does the Minister realise that, ultimately, there is bound to be a move and that the Labour Party's present policy is for the ultimate unity of Ireland? Those people, like the hon. Member for Northampton, North (Mr. Marlow), who say the kind of things that he said are really saying that, no matter how the population of Northern Ireland vote, they want Northern Ireland to stay with Britain for all time.
§ Mr. PriorI have nothing to add to my supplementary reply to my hon. Friend except to say that I believe that the sort of remarks that go backwards and forwards across the House about the history of the island of Ireland do much more harm than good.