§ Q144. Sir John Biggs-Davisonasked the Prime Minister what discussions she has had with leaders of Northern Ireland parties since she signed the Anglo-Irish agreement; and whether she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterI met the leader of the Alliance party on 22 November last year, a delegation from the Assembly led by the Speaker on 25 November, and the leaders of the Ulster Unionist party and the Democratic Unionist party on 25 February. Later today I shall meet the leader of the Social Democratic and Labour party. I have listened to and recognise the concerns of party leaders about the Anglo-Irish agreement. I made it clear on 25 February to the Unionist party leaders that while the Government is committed to implementing the agreement we would like to establish new arrangements for enabling Unionists to make their views known to us on affairs in Northern Ireland. I have also proposed consultations on 627W the Northern Ireland Assembly and about arrangements for handling Northern Ireland business in Parliament at Westminster. The Unionist leaders have proposed a round table conference on devolution in Northern Ireland, which we have agreed to consider positively.
It was agreed that both sides would reflect on these suggestions and meet again shortly. Meanwhile, I shall be seeing leaders of the other constitutional parties.