HC Deb 02 May 1991 vol 190 cc426-7
10. Mr. Canavan

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will make a statement about progress in the talks with political parties.

12. Mr. Latham

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will make a statement on the results of his consultations relating to his initiative on political progress in matters relating to the Province.

Mr. Brooke

As foreshadowed by my statement to the House on 26 March, formal political talks in relation to Northern Ireland are now under way. These talks have the potential to secure major improvements in relationships within Northern Ireland and beneficial changes to relationships among the people of the island of Ireland and between the two Governments. However, the process has only just started; a considerable amount of work lies ahead of all the participants and it is too early to assess the prospects for a successful outcome.

Mr. Canavan

If it is the Government's intention to try to resurrect some form of Stormont Parliament, would not it be typical of the Government's double standards to continue refusing a Parliament for the people of Scotland, who constitute a nation, while apparently agreeing to set up a Parliament for Northern Ireland, which consists simply of a gerrymandered collection of six counties?

Mr. Brooke

The hon. Gentleman will understand if I say that I find the final part of the question offensive to the people of Northern Ireland. Secondly, while the Government are playing a part in the talks, the four constitutional political parties in Northern Ireland will be playing a part likewise. The agreement that I hope will emerge will do so as a result of propositions, put forward from all round the table, on which I hope that we shall be able to find agreement.

As for the central part of the hon. Gentleman's question, Government structures which are appropriate to Great Britain are not necessarily appropriate to Northern Ireland; and the same is, of course, true in reverse.

Mr. Latham

Since my righ t hon. Friend has obviously very sensibly decided on a publicity blackout on this matter, may I simply express the hope that he will succeed where Gladstone failed and that his success will be rather greater and more popular than that of Lloyd George?

Mr. Brooke

It will be a loss to the House when my hon. Friend hangs up his boots for the last time in terms of the historical insights into our affairs which he gives. I must say however, that in the affairs of Ireland I have no shortage of historical advisers.