§ Mr. Michael Brown asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the progress of the constitutional discussions on Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Prior: To familiarise myself with their different points of view I have had initial meetings with representatives of the four main political parties in Northern Ireland and with virtually every other party with any significant following in the Province. I am considering the position in the light of the views expressed. All that I would say now is that I am convinced of the need to try to encourage the local parties to move forward in the search for practical areas of co—operation.