HC Deb 15 June 1978 vol 951 cc605-6W
26. Mr. Craig

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if British policy for a future form of government in Northern Ireland is based on majority rule.

Mr. Mason

The Government's policy is to work towards the establishment in Northern Ireland of a system of devolved government in which the elected repre- sentatives of both parts of the community can participate on a fair basis in a way which will be acceptable to a majority in both parts. We are not committed to any particular form of government—this is a matter for discussion—but we do not believe that a simple majority rule system would meet the criteria I have set out.