§ 10. Sir Michael McNair-WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will set up an inquiry into the structure of local government in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. BrookeNo, Sir. Issues relating to Northern Ireland local government would, however, be an entirely appropriate issue for discussion in any fresh political talks.
§ Sir Michael McNair-WilsonDoes my right hon. Friend agree that, as the all-party talks on the future administration of the Province are stalled, probably until after the general election, and as the previous review of local government in Northern Ireland took place more than 20 years ago, this is an ideal moment for an independent body to be asked to consider the structure and limited powers of present local authorities in terms of whether they meet the contemporary aspirations of people in Northern Ireland?
§ Mr. BrookeAll the constitutional political parties in Northern Ireland have, in recent weeks, given encouraging signs that they would wish to return to talks or to start fresh talks prior to the general election. If we were to do that, I would not rule out any particular proposed change to the role and structure of the district councils, but proposals for change would need to be likely to command widespread support and to provide an appropriate and fair role for both sides of the community.