HC Deb 17 December 1959 vol 615 cc1650-1
55. Mr. Driberg

asked the Prime Minister if the public statement by the Secretary of State for the Home Department concerning the imposition of sanctions against the Republic of Ireland represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government.

The Prime Minister

I have nothing to add to what my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary said in the House yesterday.

Mr. Driberg

That is rather a pity—because is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Home Secretary's original folly in answering a hypothetical question at all, followed by his equivocations yesterday, have left this matter extremely obscure, and have done a great deal of harm already to Anglo-Irish relations? Is he further aware that this merely plays into the hands of those few people in Ireland who are engaged in violence?

The Prime Minister

I think the Home Secretary did pretty well yesterday—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."]—but I will take warning, since the hon. Gentleman gives warning, how dangerous it is to answer supplementary questions or any hypothetical question without full documentation, and I will try to see whether there is any with some connection with that.

Mr. Driberg

The right hon. Gentleman is, as usual, dodging. This is not a hypothetical question, nor did my right hon. Friend ask him a hypothetical question.

Captain Orr

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Ulster position on this is very simple, that we have no wish whatever to damage the Irish Republic or to injure any of its trade in any way, but we do ask that, at a time when it is seeking help in economic difficulties, it should, as a quid pro quo, see that it stops its territory being used for hostile actions against us and as a refuge for criminals after they have run away?

Mr. Driberg

So the hon. Member means sanctions?

Lieut.-Colonel Grosvenor

Would my right hon. Friend consider giving time after the Recess for a debate on this subject, as it appears that the promise in Ulster has suddenly become more exciting than it has been up to date?

The Prime Minister

I will consider that.