HC Deb 06 May 1986 vol 97 cc2-3W
Mr. McNamara

asked the Prime Minister how many meetings have taken place between herself and Unionist leaders since 15 November 1985; how many letters she has received from Unionist leaders; and how many she has sent, since that date.

Mr. Biffen

I have been asked to reply.

Since 15 November my right hon. Friend has met the right hon. Member for Lagan Valley (Mr. Molyneaux) and the hon. Member for Antrim, North (Rev. Ian Paisley) once. My right hon. Friend has also had two meetings with the hon. Member for North Down (Mr. Kilfedder), once with a delegation from the Northern Ireland Assembly. My right hon. Friend has received four letters from the right hon. Member for Lagan Valley and the hon. Member for Antrim, North and two from the hon. Member for North Down. My right hon. Friend has written two letters to the right hon. Member for Lagan Valley and the hon. Member for Antrim, North and one letter to the hon. Member for North Down.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Prime Minister if she will publish the content of any letters or documents sent to her by Unionist leaders, and sent by her to Unionist leaders since 15 November 1985 concerning discussions on the Anglo-Irish accord.

Mr. Biffen

I have been asked to reply.

It is not my right hon. Friend's normal practice to publish exchanges of correspondence. However, my right hon. Friend has made clear in the letters she has written to the Unionist leaders the importance of constructive dialogue for progress in Northern Ireland.