§ 15. Mr. Jim MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the progress towards a political settlement in Northern Ireland. [29815]
§ Sir Patrick MayhewOur aim remains the achievement of a comprehensive and widely acceptable political settlement. Democratically mandated parties committed to peaceful methods will be its principal architects. Therefore, the Government continue to encourage in the first instance, bilateral meetings between such parties and themselves.