§ 46. Sir T. Mooreasked the Prime Minister who is responsible for the defence of those frontiers of the United Kingdom which form the Border between Northern Ireland and Eire?
§ The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)The defence of the Border between Northern Ireland and Eire is a British Government responsibility. While the military forces are held ready to deal with any armed incursion across the Border on a scale and of a nature which would justify their employment, it is primarily the responsibility of the civil power to deal with criminal outrages committed by persons either from within or without the Border.
§ Sir T. MooreWould the right hon. Gentleman say what is a definition of "scale" or "nature"?
§ Professor SavoryIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that under the Act of 1920 all relations between Northern Ireland and any other of His Majesty's 1492 Dominions are a reserved service, and therefore the responsibility for these outrages which are committed from the other side of the Border falls upon His Majesty's Government alone?
§ Mr. AttleeI gather the hon. Member has put to me a legal question. I should like to see it on the Order Paper.
§ Sir A. SouthbyHow many people will have to be shot up before His Majesty's Government move in the matter?