Devolved Government (Hansard, 25 March 1982)

§ 2. Mr. Arnold
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects to introduce firm proposals for devolved government in Northern Ireland.

§ 6. Mr. Latham
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will make a statement on future constitutional arrangements for the Province, including setting up any form of Assembly.

§ 7. Rev. Ian Paisley
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the progress of his proposals for a devolved Assembly in Northern Ireland.

§ 17. Sir John Biggs-Davison
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about his talks with representatives of political parties on his constitutional proposals.

§ The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr. James Prior)
I have had further discussions with the political parties in Northern Ireland with a view to bringing before the House proposals for the restoration of devolved government in Northern Ireland, but no final decisions have yet been taken.

§ Mr. Arnold
If the present momentum is maintained, does my right hon. Friend believe that the political parties will be prepared to participate in elections for a new Assembly?

§ Mr. Prior
My discussions with the political parties are continuing and I have reason to believe that they will take part in an election. I hope that this can be the start of an Assembly, if that is the decision reached by the Government.

Several Hon. Members
rose—

§ Mr. Speaker
Order. I shall call first those hon. Members whose questions are being answered.

§ Mr. Latham
If my right hon. Friend's private soundings suggest that political leaders in the Province are opposed to his proposals, would it not be better to shelve the idea of an initiative? We have had far too many unsuccessful ones in recent years.

§ Mr. Prior
One has to bear in mind that simply to do nothing does not mean that the position remains the same or improves. It is the wish of all political parties in Northern Ireland that there should be a devolved Administration. We have to recognise that wish as well.

§ Rev. Ian Paisley
Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that in his proposals there are no suggestions of an institutionalised Irish dimension or enforced power sharing? Does he know that if he goes along that path he is bound to fail?

§ Mr. Prior
We are now presuming on what may happen in the future. I should rather wait for these points to be discussed when and if the Government proceed with the proposals.

§ Sir John Biggs-Davison
Is not the best safeguard for the minority in Northern Ireland to be found in this Parliament rather than in an intricate system of checks and balances?

§ Mr. Prior
The best safeguard for the minority in Northern Ireland is for it to feel that it can play a full part both in the Government and in an Assembly in Northern Ireland, and also in supporting the forces of law and order. That is the way in which we can obtain peace. It may be a long way off, but it is the right road.

Mr. J. Enoch Powell
If the Secretary of State is so sure that he knows the wishes of the people of Northern Ireland, why has it been necessary, during the last nine months, for officials of his Department to tamper with individual members of the political parties with a view to manipulating their response; or was that happening without the knowledge of authorisation of his predecessor and himself?

§ Mr. Prior
There is no tampering going on. When will the right hon. Gentleman give up these absurd notions on this subject? Why can he not take the same attitude towards the Civil Service as he took when he was a member of a Government?

§ Mr. Kilfedder
As the Minister's proposals will merely end up with providing Ulster with a talking shop Assembly, would not a better initiative be to establish a Northern Ireland Select Committee, which would give responsibility and some power to Ulster Members of Parliament?

§ Mr. Prior
The proposals that are being discussed with the political parties involve the setting up of an Assembly, which could lead to a devolved Administration in Northern Ireland. It would be for the Assembly to decide what powers should be transferred to it and to make recommendations to the House. This is the right way forward. It would have that opportunity from day one, but until that time was reached it would have important work to do as an Assembly.

§ Mr. Concannon
When, or if, the Secretary of State comes forward with this legislation, I assume that there will be a White Paper and a Bill. The Opposition would like to be assured that proper debating time will be given to the House. One assurance that we wish is that in any devolving of power the House will have the last say in whatever is devolved.

§ Mr. Prior
I am certain that on the last point the House would in no way be prepared to give up its authority and right to make final decisions about any transfer of powers. If the Government decide to proceed with the policy that we have been discussing with the political parties it will be necessary for a White Paper and a Bill to be presented to Parliament. At this stage I want to make it clear that the Government have reached no decision. Until we do there is nothing further for me to say.

§ Dr. Mawhinney
Does my right hon. Friend agree that those who are seeking to thwart his proposals, without advancing any constructive alternative that seeks to recognise that there are two communities in Northern Ireland, are doing a disservice to the people of Northern Ireland and may be damaging even further both its security and its economy?

§ Mr. Prior
One has carefully to consider all the points made by my hon. Friend, and to recognise that stable and durable political arrangements can be achieved only on the basis of general consent. That is what I am seeking.