Written question asked by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 January 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 16 January 2012. It was answered by Owen Paterson (Conservative) on Monday, 16 January 2012 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Departmental Correspondence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish the letter he has sent to political parties in Northern Ireland inviting them to talks on how to come to terms with the past; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: It is clear that no consensus currently exists on the issue of dealing with the past in Northern Ireland. In my forthcoming meetings with the political parties, I intend to seek their views on how consensus can be found. The Government are ready to make their own contribution on the matter but they do not 'own' the past and cannot impose solutions; all those with an interest in Northern Ireland have a part to play.Copies of the letters sent to the political parties have been placed in the Library of the House.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 89976; 538 c443W
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Deposited Paper DEP2012-0067
Monday, 16 January 2012
Deposited papers
House of Commons
Subjects: Correspondence Northern Ireland Office
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk