§ Q5. Mr. Arthur Davidsonasked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement about his most recent meeting with the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland.
§ The Prime MinisterI have nothing to add to the reply that I gave my hon. Friend on 18th November.—[Vol. 791, c. 1112–14.]
§ Mr. DavidsonIn his discussions with the Ulster Prime Minister, did my right hon. Friend make it quite clear that if the Ulster Defence Regiment is to serve any useful purpose in maintaining law and order the Catholic population in Northern Ireland must have sufficient confidence in the way it is run as to want to join it and serve in it; and that if it is merely to be the discredited B Specials under another name it would be utterly unacceptable to the House?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think that the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland is in any doubt about our feelings on the question. They have been fully put to him by my right hon. Friends who have been dealing with the matter. And, of course, the Northern Ireland Government will be aware of the statements made by my right hon. Friends and by my hon. Friend the Minister of Defence for Administration during the passage of the Bill through the House.