§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received about the future prospects of peace in Northern Ireland from residents of Great Britain.
§ Mr. AncramThe Government continue to receive a great number of letters and a number of petitions from individuals interested in the prospects for peace in Northern Ireland. In the period since the Prime Minister and the Taoiseach signed their joint declaration on 15 December last year, my right hon. and learned Friend and the Prime Minister have received almost 700 letters from residents of Great Britain on this issue. The vast majority of this correspondence expresses a heartfelt desire for peace in Northern Ireland, and a hope that the joint declaration can pave the way for that peace.