Northern Ireland (Interim Period)

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 10:24 pm on 20 June 1991.

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Photo of Mr Peter Brooke Mr Peter Brooke The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 10:24, 20 June 1991

The hon. Member has referred to the fact that he explained to me in private his views on this matter. Since he has chosen to allude to the matter, he will also recall that he raised with me the subject of that newspaper report, and I gave him what I think was a rational explanation of how that report arose. I think that it would be unfortunate if the House were to rise tonight thinking that something conspiratorial had occurred in that context. It was necessary to give Sir Ninian Stephen some idea of when, conceivably, he might be needed to do his job.