HC Deb 27 January 1986 vol 90 cc638-9
33. Mr. Dubs

asked the Lord Privy Seal what representations he has received about the setting up of an Anglo-Irish parliamentary tier.

The Lord Privy Seal and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. John Biffen)

A number of right hon. and hon. Members have made their views known to me as to the best way forward in this matter. Consideration of the issue is continuing.

Mr. Dubs

Does the Leader of the House agree that the recent by-elections in Northern Ireland, especially the victory of Mr. Seamus Mallon, who will be introduced to the House shortly, have shown public support for the Anglo-Irish agreement? Does he agree that it is now time for him to make it possible for us to move towards the other aspect of the agreement—the setting up of the parliamentary tier?

Mr. Biffen

I certainly agree that the by-elections have been a very important development on this scene. Now that they are over, it is the more important to consider setting up the parliamentary aspect.

Sir John Biggs-Davison

Does my right hon. Friend accept that the Unionist anti-treaty vote has increased? Quite apart from that, is he aware that many of us who are against the Hillsborough agreement as an unequal treaty would nevertheless support the setting up of an Anglo-Irish parliamentary tier provided that it was between the two sovereign Parliaments?

Mr. Biffen

My hon. Friend will understand that I do not feel under a requirement to engage in any psephological analysis of what happened in the by-elections, but I am certain that he is right in believing that now that they have been concluded there is a possibility of giving renewed consideration to the idea of a parliamentary tier.

Mr. Shore

The Leader of the House has had a number of representations, and he has time to think about them. Does he favour the proposal in the early-day motion to set up a Select Committee?

Mr. Biffen

That is one of several proposals to which I have given consideration. My mind is thoroughly open on the matter.

Mr. Stanbrook

Would it not be better, before pursuing the objective of a joint committee or meetings of any kind, for a Select Committee of this House, including Members representing Northern Ireland constituencies, to go into the whole question of relations with other countries?

Mr. Biffen

Of course, at the end of the day it will be a matter for this House to authorise. I am certainly prepared to consider my hon. Friend's proposal, along with those of many others.

Mr. Beith

The right hon. Gentleman will note that there is support within the alliance and in other parts of the House for progress with the parliamentary tier, but is not total abstention from the activities of this House as proposed by some Unionists the total negation of what unionism is supposed to be about?

Mr. Biffen

That is quite a separate consideration from the parliamentary tier, but doubtless if the parliamentary tier were established it would be beneficial if it were the subject of as much widespread commitment as possible. [Interruption.]

Mr. Speaker

Order. These are very important questions.