HC Deb 12 March 1981 vol 1000 c375W
19. Mr. John Carlisle

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he has made any approach to the Irish Rugby Football Union with regard to its intended forthcoming tour of South Africa.

22. Mr. Pendry

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the tour of the Irish Rugby Football Union to South Africa.

Mr. John Patten

The Government's concern about the decision of the Irish Rugby Football Union to send a touring party to South Africa was clearly expressed in a statement made by my noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on 9 January.

As for direct communication with the Irish Rugby Football Union, I refer my hon. Friend to the reply which he received from my hon. Friend the Minister with responsibility for sport on 16 February.