HC Deb 26 July 1984 vol 64 c1230
13. Mr. Dubs

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he plans to meet the Irish Government to discuss the New Ireland Forum report.

Mr. Prior

I often meet members of the Irish Government, in particular the Foreign Minister, Mr. Peter Barry, and on such occasions it is naturally open to them to refer to the New Ireland Forum report. I have no firm date at present for my next meeting.

Mr. Dubs

The right hon. Gentleman said a few moments ago that he wished to see slow progress, but progress, in resolving Northern Ireland's problems. Is he aware that many of us are watching with concern for evidence of that progress, particularly in relation to the various options put forward in the New Ireland Forum report, and that we should like to see clear evidence of progress on those lines in discussions with the Irish Government?

Mr. Prior

Yes, but the hon. Gentleman must recognise that his party, too, is committed to progress, but progress with the consent of the people of Northern Ireland. That has to be taken into account all the time and that is why I believe that progress will be slow.

Mr. Molyneaux

In any such discussions, will the Secretary of State firmly reject any proposals for joint control of the security forces in Northern Ireland, which, if they were put into effect, would be constitutionally unacceptable and unworkable in practice?

Mr. Prior

I do not believe that joint control, in the form that we should expect it to operate, would be appropriate in the circumstances of Northern Ireland.

Mr. Porter

Does my right hon. Friend accept that some of us on these Benches think it inadvisable to consider the New Ireland Forum report, but that if he insists upon considering the report it must be essential to consider it only in relation to the Official Unionist document that was produced prior to it?

Mr. Prior

There are a number of documents which have to be considered at the same time.

Mr. Skinner

Can the Secretary of State tell us exactly what, during his tenure of office—taking into account the initiative in connection with the New Ireland Forum — he has managed to achieve? Many superstructures have been set up while I have been in the House in the past 14 years, but they do not seem to be getting anywhere. As reference has been made to his being on his way out, will he take a piece of advice from me? [HON. MEMBERS: "No."] It is serious. If he wants to get hold of those directorships, he should go as quickly as possible, because his right hon. Friend the ex-chairman of the Tory party—

Mr. Speaker

Order. That has nothing to do with the New Ireland Forum.