HC Deb 12 December 1996 vol 287 c348W
10. Mrs. Bridget Prentice

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he last met the Irish Government to discuss the peace process in Northern Ireland. [7325]

Sir Patrick Mayhew

I accompanied my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister for part of his meeting with Mr. Bruton and Mr. Spring on 9 December.

12. Mr. John Greenway

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on recent progress in the all-party talks. [7327]

16. Mr. Winnick

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the latest position in the peace process. [7331]

28. Mr. Riddick

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the latest situation relating to the peace process. [7343]

Mr. Ancram

Having agreed the rules of procedure and agenda for the opening plenary the talks are now addressing the issue of decommissioning. We recognise the sensitivities of the issue for participants, but believe early agreement on this and the start of substantive discussions, are now urgent.

Dr. Wright

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the use of referendums in the peace process. [7336]

Sir Patrick Mayhew

The Government have given an undertaking to put the final outcome of the current negotiations to the people of Northern Ireland for approval in a referendum. The Northern Ireland (Entry to Negotiations, etc.) Act 1996 includes provision for such a referendum.