HC Deb 29 June 1987 vol 118 cc27-8W
Rev. Martin Smyth

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if he will place in the Library minutes of the proceedings of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference and papers prepared by its secretariat;

(2) what views and proposals have been put forward within the Anglo-Irish Agreement by the Government of the Republic since 15 November 1985; and what has been the response of Her Majesty's Government to these proposals;

(3) on how many occasions since 15 November 1985 the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference has met; what were the dates and locations of such meetings; and from what Department's Ministers and officials attending such meetings came.

Mr. Tom King

There have been 10 full ministerial meetings of the conference, and two more of which I and the Minister of Justice of the Republic of Ireland were cochairmen. Joint statements, issued after each meeting, and placed in the Library, set out details of their dates and locations, those who attended, and the subjects discussed.

As is customary with communications between Governments, it has not been our practice to make public further details of the discussions, or of papers passed through the secretariat, but I am of course willing to discuss all issues of Government policy with the elected representatives of any of the constitutional political parties in Northern Ireland, including those that have been discussed at the Intergovernmental Conference, or are identified in a joint statement as being for discussion at a future meeting.

Rev. Martin Smyth

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the cost so far to public funds of the secretariat of the Anglo-Irish intergovernmental Conference; how many civil servants are employed there; what functions they perform; and on which Vote this expenditure falls.

Mr. Stanley

I shall reply to the hon. Gentleman as soon as possible.

Rev. Martin Smyth

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in what ways the Anglo-Irish Agreement has contributed to peace, stability and reconciliation in Northern Ireland since 15 November 1985.

Mr. Stanley

I shall reply to the hon. Gentleman as soon as possible.