§ Mr. Harry BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on progress towards devolved government in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. BrookeThe broad aim of Government policy is to seek to return greater responsibility for the affairs of Northern Ireland to locally elected representatives, on a widely acceptable basis and within a wider framework of stable relationships. With that aim in mind, I am at present engaged in discussions with the four main constitutional political parties in Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Ireland, to establish whether a basis can be found for fresh political talks.