HC Deb 11 December 1952 vol 509 cc666-7
45. Mr. Beattie

asked the Prime Minister if Her Majesty's Government will take steps to amend the Government of Ireland Act. 1920, under which the Northern Ireland Parliament has delegated authority for the administration of justice.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Winston Churchill)

No, Sir. Her Majesty's Government do not propose to amend the Government of Northern Ireland Act, 1920, at the present time.

Mr. Beattie

In view of the right hon. Gentleman's experience in 1912 of the intolerance shown to him in Belfast—[An HON. MEMBER: The hon. Member is reading it.] I have it off by heart. In view of the intolerance shown to the Prime Minister in 1912 will he give a guarantee that at the forthcoming elections for the Parliament of Northern Ireland candidates who oppose the Unionist policy will be safeguarded against the violence which operated against him on that visit when he was at Belfast?

The Prime Minister

I have nothing to add to my answer. [Interruption.]

Mr. Speaker

Order. I would point out, in view of the answer, that if, as seems to be the case, the administration of justice is transferred to Northern Ireland, we cannot comment on it here.

Mr. Beattie

With your permission and kindness, Mr. Speaker, I would put a supplementary question on these lines: is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to nominate a committee composed of hon. Members of this House to go to Northern Ireland during the elections as observers and to see that fair play and justice is accorded to all candidates opposing the Unionist policy?

The Prime Minister

I must have notice of that.

Sir D. Savory

Surely the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the administration of justice in Northern Ireland is above all reproach?

Mr. Speaker

We cannot discuss it here.