Assembly Elections

HC Deb 01 May 1986 vol 96 cc1081-3

4. Mr. Bell

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he proposes to announce the date of the Northern Ireland Assembly elections.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr. Tom King)

We want to discuss the future of the Assembly with the Northern Ireland political parties. In reaching a decision on new elections we shall clearly have to consider whether the Assembly will serve a useful purpose.

Mr. Bell

I note the Secretary of State's remarks, but why are salaries continually being drawn by those elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly and those elected to take their seats in that Assembly when no work is being done, not even the scrutinising of legislation by way of Orders in Council for this House? Is that in the interests of the people of Northern Ireland and in the interests of democracy in Northern Ireland?

Mr. King

The frequent complaint that is delivered by some of the absentee Members of this House is that the voice of Northern Ireland—or the Unionist voice—has not been listened to, and that is at the very time that they are failing to discharge their proper functions and to use one of the vehicles that could be most effective in enabling them to put forward their views. I note what the hon. Gentleman said. There is obviously great force in what he has said, and we are looking at the matter carefully.

Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson

Does my right hon. Friend agree that there is little purpose in holding further elections if the SDLP fight those elections but refuse to attend the Assembly? As they have already achieved the Anglo-Irish treaty, does it not behove them now to assist in the internal government of Northern Ireland? If they refuse to come to the Assembly and to give a promise that they will come to the Assembly, will my right hon. Friend dismiss from his mind any thoughts of calling any further elections?

Mr. King

My hon. Friend will have listened carefully to my original answer. As the Assembly will reach the end of its natural life in mid-October, there is no point in perpetuating that, or even continuing as long as that, if it is failing to fulfil any useful function. Therefore, I agree with my hon. Friend's other comment about the position of the SDLP. I wish that the Unionists would put the SDLP to the test, pick up the remarks of the hon. Member for Foyle (Mr. Hume), challenge him with that, and then see whether it is possible to obtain a new Assembly on a proper basis.

Mr. Flannery

It is not a political reality that the monority community has no faith in the Assembly? Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that the disucssions that will take place there will be with people who, for endless years, and in the future if they can, will carry on discussions which will keep them permanently in command and leave nothing for the minority community?

Mr. King

That is the gospel of despair that will lead the Province nowhere. The Government are determined to build on common ground between men of good will. If the hon. Gentleman believes that that is impossible, the future is bleak for the Province. I believe that effort must be made. The Government are determined to see whether it can be achieved, but obviously it needs considerable co-operation for it to be possible.

Mr. John Mark Taylor

Does my right hon. Friend accept that some of us were disappointed and disturbed by his first answer? If we are at all serious about devolving powers to Northern Ireland, as the Assembly represents a good spectrum of elected opinion in Northern Ireland, should he not continue his efforts to make it work and make the parties participate in it?

Mr. King

I know that my hon. Friend will be aware of some of the behaviour that is currently taking place within the Assembly and the fact that it is failing to discharge its proper functions. I would certainly agree wholeheartedly if we could achieve a basis on which the proper objectives of the Assembly could be achieved.

Mr. Mallon

Will the Secretary of State confirm that among those who have found it impossible to continue to attend the Assembly are his predecessor, now the Secretary of State for the Home Department, and the alliance party, and that non-attendance is not confined simply to the SDLP?

Mr. King

I am not clear about the hon. Gentleman's first point. My right hon. Friend did attend the Assembly, and Ministers were always ready to attend. The hon. Gentleman will appreciate—his hon. Friend the Member for Foyle (Mr. Hume) made this point clear as well—that my understanding is that his party is prepared to become involved and would wish to take part in the new Assembly.