Derek McDowell (Labour)

I join with colleagues in seeking a debate on Northern Ireland. There was a time in the early part of the peace process when most of the parties engaged in a measure of constructive fudge. In fairness, it got us over some humps and difficulties which might otherwise have been difficult to avert. That time is now over. As we hopefully move to closure on a final agreement there is a need for clarity and for everything to be up front and clear to the public. It baffles that the Government should in that context engage in side deals or covert arrangements with one party or another.

We are aware of the sensitive issues involved. Those of us on the Opposition benches know that as much as anybody else. Nonetheless, what is important now is that everybody has faith in the process going forward——