§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have considered the option of an impartial facilitator from outside Britain and Ireland to assist the process of political accommodation between the parties in Northern Ireland.
§ Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office (Lord Lyell)The Government are aware that this idea has been put forward from time to time. The Government do not believe, however, that it would be helpful to introduce a further outside participant into trying to resolve the situation in Northern Ireland. There is no realistic prospect that those involved in Northern Ireland would be prepared to take a different attitude in response to approaches by such a person, even if they were to accept his appointment, than they have in discussion with the Government. The Government will therefore continue to seek arrangements for a devolved administration in Northern Ireland which are widely acceptable throughout the community.