Northern Ireland Brooke/Mayhew Talks 1991-1992

WORK IN PROGRESS - IN THE FINAL STAGES OF EDITING A series of talks launched by Peter Brooke, Secretary of State for Northern in Ireland, which began in April 1991, and were carried on intermittently by Brooke and his successor, Patrick Mayhew, until November 1992.

British-Unionist Talks

Meetings between the British Government, the UUP and the DUP. Dates of meetings created from source material, but records of discussions not currently available to us.

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Document introduced in:

Session 12567: 1991-05-22 14:40:00

Bilateral Meeting held with the Unionist Parties in Parliament Buildings at 14:40 on 22 May 1991

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Conclusions of the Meeting with the Joint Unionist Delegation on 22 May 1440

(Showing state at moment e831615)
There are 2 proposed amendments related to this document on which decisions have not been taken.

Conclusions of the Meeting with the Joint Unionist Delegation on 22 May 1440

Venue for substantive meetings of Strand 2

The substantive meetings of Strand 2 should be held in Parliament Buildings. This was on grounds of practicality, physical resources, physical security, arrangements for the media and in terms of continuity from one strand to another.

Terms of Reference/Standing Orders of the Independent Chairman (TOR/50)

The role of the Chairman

The role of the Chairman should be that of a facilitator or an independent presiding officer, ensuring fair treatment for all participants. They should not assume the role of arbitrator. They would be responsible for the pace of proceedings though would not usurp the Secretary of State's decision of when to move from strand two to strand three.

The Chairman might also produce a final report and be responsible for producing an aide-memoire of the various meetings.

Staffing for the Chairman

The Chairman might need a private secretary. This role would provide continuity of support wherever the talks take place.

Standing Orders for the Chairman

The Chairman should have authority to settle procedural questions, and to convene, postpone and adjourn the meetings (paragraphs 7 and 12 of the Unionist TOR).

It would be better not to have too many rules, but some indication on the length of contributions might be helpful which the Chairman could invoke if necessary.

Confidentiality

There should be no press or public comment by or on behalf of the chairman.

Decisions yet to be taken

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