§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the progress made so far at the constitutional conference.
§ Mr. Humphrey AtkinsThe conference on the government of Northern Ireland has met for 13 sessions since 7 January. It has so far considered six items on a 14-point agenda, though recognising that the separate items interlock and cannot be agreed in isolation. Discussion is currently centering on the modus operandi of a future Administration.
§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the maximum period of time the constitutional conference will be allowed to last.
§ Mr. Humphrey AtkinsThere is no time limit on the conference on the government of Northern Ireland. I believe that all the participants wish it to continue for so long as the discussions are worthwhile, and for no longer.