§ 21. Mr. GowTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions he has had with the Government of the Irish Republic about article 4(b) of the Anglo-Irish Agreement.
§ Mr. BrookeI discussed political matters with Mr. Collins most recently at our meetings on 4 and 21 February. Both Governments have made clear that they wish to encourage political dialogue in Northern Ireland.
§ 28. Mr. Andrew MacKayTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on recent ministerial discussions within the framework of the Anglo-Irish Agreement.
§ Mr. BrookeI met Mr. Collins on 4 and 21 February and my right hon. Friend the Minister of State met Mr. Burke on 15 February. At these meetings, discussions 305W centred on important issues with which it had been intended to deal at the postponed conference on 31 January.
§ Mr. SkinnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he has had any recent discussion regarding the dismantling of the Anglo-Irish Agreement; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrookeNo. The Government remain committed to the Anglo-Irish Agreement and the principles it embodies. However, we remain willing to examine any proposals concerning the agreement, particularly if they are likely to command widespread support.