§ 8. Mr. MolyneauxTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he intends to make a start on restoring accountable democracy to the people of Northern Ireland. [29808]
§ Sir Patrick MayhewOur aim is to strengthen accountable democracy through local institutions allowing all elected political representatives to exercise local responsibility and accountability—the sooner the better. But that should take place on a basis that has first been agreed through political dialogue involving the main Northern Ireland parties.
§ Mr. Molyneauxrose—[Interruption.]
§ Madam SpeakerOrder.
§ Mr. MolyneauxI am reluctant to interrupt the conversations to which you referred earlier, Madam Speaker, but perhaps I have your permission to do so. [Interruption.]
§ Madam SpeakerOrder. Come along now, let us have some order in the House. It is all very well hon. Members giving me their support when I ask for order, but it does not happen.
§ Mr. MolyneauxI am indebted to you, Madam Speaker.
As the four constitutional parties have been engaged since 14 July 1987—eight years ago—with the Secretary of State and his two distinguished predecessors, does he feel that he can now proceed to reward those parties and that ministerial diligence and patience by giving us at long last some real influence over the affairs of our Province?
§ Sir Patrick MayhewThat would be well deserved indeed, but it must be done on the basis that the right hon. Gentleman and the other parties—[interruption.] I knew that that would receive approval. It must be done on the basis that the right hon. Gentleman and the leaders of the other parties have agreed; otherwise, if I seek to impose it, it will not stick. So I welcome the evidence that the right hon. Gentleman and the leader of the Social Democratic and Labour party are beginning to come together.