§ Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the reply by the hon. Member for Oxford (Mr. Patten) to the hon. Member for Basildon on 22 November, Offical Report, column 389, what was the substance of the discussions between him, the Minister of State, the Earl of Gowrie and the Leader of the Opposition in the Republic of Ireland, Dr. FitzGerald, in London on 28 June concerning (a) the political situation in Northern Ireland and (b) Anglo-Irish relations; whether it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to consult the Leader of the Opposition and the Prime Minister of the Irish Republic on the political situation in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PriorThe discussion on 28 June followed the established practice whereby Ministers talk on a basis of confidence to Ministers and, as appropriate, the Leader of the Opposition of the Republic of Ireland in order to keep them in touch with out thinking on Northern Ireland and to ensure that we know their views. I have nothing further to add to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Member for Oxford (Mr. Patten) on 22 November 1982.—[Vol. 32, c.389.]