HC Deb 10 November 1988 vol 140 c478
12. Mrs. Clwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the scheduled review of the Anglo-Irish Agreement.

Mr. Tom King

The review of the working of the Intergovernmental Conference, prescribed by article 11 of the agreement, will begin three years after the agreement was signed on 15 November. I remain anxious to have all views that hon. Members and others may wish to put forward.

Mrs. Clwyd

When will the Government take a more constructive approach to the agreement by pursuing the wide range of reforms that are necessary? When will they implement article 10 of the agreement, which commits the Irish and British Governments to co-operating to promote the economic and social development of both parts of Ireland?

Mr. King

The table of progress, which I hope we shall publish shortly, will bring home how much progress has been made in the search for confidence in the administration of justice and some of the economic and social sectors. We have laid the foundations for co-operation, which could be valuable to people on both sides of the border.

Mr. Dykes

Will my right hon. Friend confirm that, despite enormous difficulties and some reckless sabotage attempts from certain quarters, the agreement has been a great success? Will he reaffirm the Government's determination not only to continue this important agreement but to strengthen it?

Mr. King

The agreement has considerable potential benefits for people throughout the island of Ireland, both in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. This is not a matter—we are dealing with ancient hostilities and mistrusts that exist in the island of Ireland—in which immediate success can be achieved. The agreement provides an opportunity for close co-operation and, if handled sensibly, it could be of great benefit.

Mr. McNamara

Is the Secretary of State aware that we welcome his invitation to put forward our ideas on the Anglo-Irish Agreement and hope that all parties in the House and in Northern Ireland will take advantage of that? Would there not be an advantage in forthcoming years in having a regular calendar of meetings, with open agendas, at which parties throughout the country could make representations, with a full report-back afterwards, thus avoiding accusations of secrecy?

Mr. King

I am glad to hear that the hon. Gentleman will be putting forward views, no doubt on behalf of his right hon. and hon. Friends, and I have no doubt also that those very genuine and sensible points will be included.