Oral Answers to Questions

Barry Gardiner Excerpts

Wednesday 15th September 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Paterson]

The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right, and that is why we have launched a process of talking to local politicians and local groups to work out a way forward on how we handle the past. It was clear from the submissions to Eames-Bradley that there is absolutely no consensus, but the hon. Gentleman is right that we must have a process that is consistent. We will be working on that over the coming months.

[Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab)]

7. Whether he has met the family of Pat Finucane to offer an inquiry into his death; and if he will make a statement.

[The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr Owen Paterson)]

I met the family of Pat Finucane while in opposition. On becoming Secretary of State, I wrote to the family and invited them to meet me.

[Barry Gardiner]

Will the Secretary of State elucidate the questions that were put to him by the family at that meeting?

[Mr Paterson]

The meeting that I had with them in opposition was some time ago. I have a meeting planned shortly and I think that it is appropriate, as I have said on several occasions, that I talk to the families before pronouncing further. The hon. Gentleman knows from his time as a Minister in Northern Ireland how sensitive and difficult this issue is, which is why it was not resolved by his Government.