§ 9. Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions he has had with women's groups on peacekeeping in local communities.
§ Mr. HanleyI am pleased to have had recent meetings in Northern Ireland with representatives of the Women's Education Project, the Workers Education Association 1127 and the Women's Support Network, where a wide range of topics, but not specifically the subject of peacekeeping, were constructively discussed.
§ Mrs. FyfeI thank the Minister for his answer. Does he agree that it is difficult for women's views to be heard in Northern Ireland, especially as only three women have ever been elected to any parliamentary seat in Northern Ireland? Women's groups are generally kept short of public funding which would assist them in making their views heard. Will the Minister and his colleagues follow the welcome initiative of the previous Secretary of State in hosting a reception for women at Hillsborough castle? It was the first initiative of its kind and was very welcome. I hope that progress will he made from it.
§ Mr. HanleyThe hon. Lady is absolutely right about the contribution to peacekeeping of women's groups in Northern Ireland. I was pleased to attend the reception that she described at Hillsborough castle. Women's groups in Northern Ireland make a constructive contribution but so do women in political life. There are many women local and district councillors throughout the Province. Their contribution to the talks process was extremely constructive. I for one would not be sorry to see women represent Northern Ireland in Parliament. It is just a matter of time.