§ Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions have taken place recently between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of the Republic of Ireland; what subjects have been covered during those discussions; with what conclusions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitneyMy right hon. Friend the Prime Minister met the Taoiseach in the margins of the last European Council in Stuttgart on 19 June and discussed matters of mutual concern, including security and arrangements for future contacts between the two Governments. They agreed to hold an Anglo-Irish summit meeting at a date to168W be settled later. On the same occasion my right hon. and learned Friend had a separate informal meeting with the Irish Foreign Minister, Mr. Peter Barry. They discussed Anglo-Irish relations in general. Officials from various United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland Government Departments have met from time to time to discuss day-to-day matters of concern to both sides. It is clear that the Irish Government share our desire for close relations.