HC Deb 12 February 1970 vol 795 cc1442-4
17. Mr. Stratton Mills

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his discussions on economic matters with the Northern Ireland Prime Minister.

35. Captain Orr

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his recent talks with the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland.

Mr. Callaghan

The talks that I had with Major Chichester-Clark on 4th February covered employment and the general economic situation; the size of the housing programme; increased financial support; the development of Aldergrove airport; the strength of the R.U.C. and the progress made with recruitment to the Ulster Defence Regiment; the community relations programme; the Special Powers Acts, and the general political and security situation.

Mr. Stratton Mills

I welcome the Home Secretary's helpful attitude on this matter. What is the extent of Government support for the massive housing programme envisaged by the Northern Ireland Government? Could he say what consideration has been given to a relaxation of the credit squeeze in Northern Ireland, which would be immensely helpful to existing industries?

Mr. Callaghan

On the matter of housing, the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland was able to make his announcement after discussions with me. His programme for the next five years will be 73,500 houses as against 54,000 in the last five-year period. I regard lack of houses and lack of jobs as substantial contributory factors to the situation in Northern Ireland, but I am afraid that I have nothing further to say today about the defence programme.

Captain Orr

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that perhaps the three things that give rise to most anxiety in Northern Ireland at present are, first, an apprehension, justified or not, that there are still places where the Queen's writ does not run; secondly the economic situation and the anxiety about employment; and, thirdly, the possible outcome of the agricultural Price Review. Although he may have discussed these matters with the Northern Ireland Prime Minister, would he agree to receive a deputation from myself and some of my hon. Friends to discuss the matter?

Mr. Callaghan

As regards the last point, I hope I may be forgiven for saying that hon. Members from Northern Ireland are particularly ingratiating in their requests for me to receive deputations. I would remind them that I am fully in touch with the situation and do not need to meet them every day. But I will meet the hon. and gallant Gentleman to hear his latest views.

It is true that policing has not been fully restored in one or two areas in Northern Ireland. But what should be taken into account is that the areas concerned are much more fully policed now than they were even before the troubles broke out in August. I do not think it is appreciated in Northern Ireland that there had been a withdrawal of the police from those areas before the troubles broke out. Therefore, Sir Arthur Young and the Royal Ulster Constabulary, whose morale is strengthening every day, have made substantial progress. On the question of employment I cannot add to what I have already said.

Mr. Michael Foot

Can my right hon. Friend say what progress has been made with the abolition of the Special Powers Act, about which recommendations were made by the Hunt Committee? Did he discuss with Major Chichester-Clark the question of the Public Order Bill being introduced in the Stormont Parliament, since the Tories in Northern Ireland do not seem to be very successful in managing public order and British troops had to be sent there to do it?

Mr. Callaghan

I had discussions with the Northern Ireland Prime Minister about the Special Powers Act and expressed certain views to him. These discussions will continue, and I hope to come to a conclusion at a reasonably early date. On the matter of the Public Order Bill, that has now become an Act, it is on the Statute Book, and is partially intended to replace some of the special powers.