HC Deb 07 March 1985 vol 74 cc1158-9
9. Mr. John Mark Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement concerning dialogue between political parties in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Hurd

The need for serious discussion among the parties opposed to violence about practical ways of creating political stability in Northern Ireland is compelling. I shall continue to try to stimulate such discussion, taking a more active part myself if and when this seems sensible. Northern Ireland cannot in my view return to political normality unless those elected representatives who believe in the strength of democracy are willing to meet and work together.

Mr. Taylor

I thank my right hon. Friend for his answer. Will he confirm that, alongside a vigorous security policy in Northern Ireland, the Government will take every opportunity to encourage political initiatives in the Province as part of the path towards political stability?

Mr. Hurd

My hon. Friend is correct. I have been trying to do that. There have been various road blocks along the way, and I shall continue to try to remove them.

Mr. Rowe

In the light of President Gaddafi's recent statement, will my right hon. Friend comment on the difficulties caused to such a dialogue by interventions from outside by people as irresponsible as the President of Libya?

Mr. Hurd

My hon. Friend is correct. We have left the Libyan authorities in no doubt that any type of interference by them in the affairs of Northern Ireland will be incompatible with progress towards a better relationship.

Mr. Archer

Is it proposed to arrange a further summit meeting in the near future, or are the Government now persuaded that long, detailed and undramatic discussions are more likely to bring progress than short, exciting ones? Further, is not a discussion more likely to produce a consensus in the absence of the Prime Minister?

Mr. Hurd

I think that the right hon. and learned Gentleman is leaping ahead a bit on the Order Paper, since this question refers to political parties. Following the right hon. and learned Gentleman in that leap, I must say that we have not yet begun to discuss with the Irish Government the date for the next summit.