§ 74. Sir PERCY HARRISasked the Home Secretary whether his attention 2020 has been called to the extensive powers conferred by Regulation 22a, made under the Northern Ireland Civil Authorities Special Powers Act on the military authorities; and whether he can give the House information as to the extent of the additional responsibilities which may thereby be imposed on His Majesty's Forces stationed in Northern Ireland?
§ Mr. LLOYDThis regulation is made under an Act of the Parliament of Northern Ireland, and is not a responsibility of my right hon. Friend.
§ Sir P. HARRISDoes not the hon. Gentleman think it most improper that British forces should be used for civilian purposes; and could the attention of the Government of Northern Ireland be called to this matter?
§ Mr. LLOYDThe hon. Baronet is no doubt aware that the Legislature of Northern Ireland h rye power to make laws for the peace, order and good government of Northern Ireland.
§ Sir P. HARRISAre not British forces under the control of His Majesty's Government, and should they be used for this purpose?
§ Sir RONALD ROSSIs my hon. Friend not aware that armed forces can always be called in for the assistance of British subjects and for the assistance of the civil power; and is he also aware that members of the Liberal party wish to deprive people in Northern Ireland of this common right of citizenship?
§ Mr. SHINWELLIs it coming to pass that Northern Ireland is setting up what amounts virtually to a form of dictatorship?