§ 1. Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is his current policy towards the situation in Northern Ireland.
§ The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr. Douglas Hurd)We aim to create a stable, peaceful and prosperous society which accommodates fairly and generously the identities of both parts of the community.
§ Mr. RossDoes the Secretary of State agree that the maintenance of good relations between Dublin and Westminster is paramount? Does he accept that parts of the Forum report are worth building on and should not be completely dismissed? Does he believe that a parliamentary tier to the Anglo-Irish Council would be helpful at this time?
§ Mr. HurdI agree that a good working relationship between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom is very much in the interests of Northern Ireland as well as of Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. The point about a parliamentary tier is essentially a matter for the Parliaments concerned and not one on which the Government should take an initiative.
§ Mr. ProctorWill my right hon. Friend shy away from taking any new political or constitutional initiatives in Northern Ireland in the near future?
§ Mr. HurdI have tried to be steady and reasonable in what I have said about these matters, but I believe that there is an opportunity now, primarily for the elected leaders of the Province, to move away from arguing across the divide and finding ways in which they can hold practical discussions. If I can help that process forward with suggestions, I am ready to do so.