§ 46. Mr. Adleyasked the Attorney-General whether he has yet had any discussions with his counterpart in the Eire Government since the signing of the Anglo-Irish Agreement.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralNo, Sir.
§ Mr. AdleyIs my hon. and learned Friend aware that the two Governments have expressed the intention to intensify action against terrorism, which will be, and is, widely welcomed by sane, normal people, certainly in England, Scotland and Wales? Will he take a message from the House, and from most of our constituents, that he and his counterpart in the Government of the Irish Republic have our warm good wishes for success in their stated objectives?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralI am deeply grateful to my hon. Friend for what he has said. I believe that reassurance on the agreement between the two Governments will grow as its terms become more widely understood.
Mr. J. Enoch PowellIs the Solicitor-General aware that his opposite number has publicly stated that the implications of the agreement go far beyond consultation? Does he agree with that?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralMy answer is no to both parts of the right hon. Gentleman's supplementary question. The agreement is perfectly explicit. I believe that all concerned—I am certain that this applies to the Attorney-General for the Republic of Ireland—are capable of interpreting and construing both its meaning and effect.