HC Deb 27 November 1986 vol 106 cc416-7
3. Mr. Maclennan

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent discussions he has held with representatives of local authorities in Northern Ireland.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr. Richard Needham)

Since 1 July Ministers held 16 meetings with groups that have included members of district councils. These meetings have enabled us to discuss a wide range of public service matters. I greatly regret that Unionist Members have failed to put ther views to me and my colleagues about matters affecting their constituents.

Mr. Maclennan

Is the Minister aware that some Unionist Members have been in the House to report their views to other hon. Members, and that that was a welcome initiative? Is he aware also that there is considerable interest in the possibility of developing local representative democracy, even if there is a stalemate on central institutions of government, to strengthen local control over local decision making?

Mr. Needham

I am glad to confirm that, as part of the devolution package which the Government have long put forward, that would certainly be well worth considering. If only members of the majority coummunity were prepared to come into negotiation with Ministers, including my ministerial colleagues, that is something that we would wish to consider.

Mr. Latham

Will my hon. Friend confirm that the present position is completely unsatisfactory as a long-term objective? In effect, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is acting as viceroy, the local authorities have no powers, and those who are supposed to come to this place to represent their constituents do not come.

Mr. Needham

It is a great pity that local representatives do not come to this place, and responsibilities go considerably wider than I would wish. As I have said before, it is extremely important in negotiating any package of devolution that we do so on the broadest possible scale.

Mr. Bell

We welcome the prospect of devolution in Northern Ireland and any talks to that effect. Will the Minister confirm that any talks held with representatives of the Unionist community in Northern Ireland will not mean the suspension of the Anglo-Irish Agreement?

Mr. Needham

I shall speak to anybody who comes to my door. It will be done under the exising framework of government. I only wish that they would try to find a way to my door.

Mr. John Mark Taylor

Does my hon. Friend agree that the time may well be right to consider setting up in Northern Ireland a similar structure of local government to that which obtains in the rest of the United Kingdom, the more so since there is no longer the Assembly?

Mr. Needham

As I said, if it is part of a package of devolution measures, I am sure that it would make sense. I would be only too happy to devolve some of my existing responsibilities, which I am sure many of the people in Northern Ireland think are already too heavy.