asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on his most recent political discussions in the Province.

In recent weeks I have had meetings with the Alliance party, the Social Democratic and Labour party, and the Workers party. I regret that the Unionist parties have not yet taken up the offers which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and I have made to hold discussions with them. The meetings that I have held have provided a valuable opportunity for constructive discussion of a range of issues which are important to Northern Ireland's future.