§ 12. Dr. Millerasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he is now ready to discuss with all representative parties specific proposals for a political solution of the problems of Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitelawI am having discussions next week which, as I said in my statement on 15th June, are necessary in order to arrange a conference of the people of Northern Ireland.
§ 26. Mr. McManusasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the progress of his political initiative.
§ 27. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will make a further statement on his policy and measures for achieving a political settlement in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. WhitelawBoth wings of the IRA have called off their campaign of violence. I hope that this will create a climate in which the people of Northern Ireland can come together at a conference and find common ground upon which the future government of Northern Ireland can be based. But it is very important that these who have suffered most from the IRA, and whose feelings I fully understand, should act with restraint. The fact that the plebiscite is to be held in the autumn will, I hope, give added reassurance to those who are concerned about the future of Northern Ireland within the United Kingdom.