§ 13. Mr. McFallTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made by the Secretary of State in his discussions with the Dublin Government on the peace process. [24633]
§ Mr. AncramMy right hon. and learned Friend last met the Tanaiste at the intergovernmental conference in748W Dublin on 28 April; the Prime Minister and the Taoiseach met in the margins of the VE ceremonies in Moscow. On both occasions, the progress of the peace process and the right ways of advancing it were discussed.
§ 17. Mr. HunterTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a further statement on the progress of the exploratory dialogue and substantive talks which he is conducting with political parties in Northern Ireland. [24637]
§ Mr. AncramExploratory dialogue with the loyalists and Sinn Fein continue on the basis set out in the reply I gave the hon. Members for Walsall, North (Mr. Winnick) for Pendle (Mr. Prentice) and for Falkirk, West (Mr. Canavan) earlier today.
As for substantive talks, my right hon. and learned Friend has invited the four main parties to discuss with him bilaterally the issues on which there would need to be agreement if there is to be a comprehensive settlement. So far, a meeting has been held with the Ulster Unionist party, and meetings with the alliance and SDLP are currently being arranged. The DUP has regrettably not responded formally to my right hon. and learned Friend's invitation—at least not at this stage.
§ 19. Mr. HainTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about latest progress in the peace negotiations. [24639]
§ Mr. AncramI refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Members for Walsall, North, (Mr. Winnick) for Pendle (Mr. Prentice) and for Falkirk, West (Mr. Canavan) earlier today.