Northern Ireland (Hansard, 12 March 1970)

§ 12 and 13. Mr. McNamara
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he is satisfied with the progress of the reform programme announced in the joint communiqué of the United Kingdom and Stormont Governments; and if he will make a statement;

§ Mr. Callaghan
The Northern Ireland Government have made substantial and commendable progress with the reform programme announced in the October communiqué. The legislative framework 1540 which now exists, while not complete, is a sound foundation for the development of good community relations, and there is therefore not as much fertile ground for extremists to exploit. Conditions will not become normal until those who are now ready to endanger life by misusing explosives are caught and brought to trial, and the police are concentrating on doing this.

§ Mr. McNamara
I am sure the House will agree with my right hon. Friend in the last part of his answer. The use of explosives does not help anybody's cause on either side. Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is concern that progress in the establishment of the Central Housing Authority has been somewhat retarded? Does my right hon. Friend, in his philosophical way, draw any conclusions from the attitude of the Opposition, and the Opposition's political supporters in Northern Ireland, to law and order, and the danger of bringing the police into politics?

§ Mr. Callaghan
As to the danger of bringing the police into politics, I have consistently expressed my view about this, and I hope that no one in the House would seek to do so. As to the first part of the question, it has been possible to make funds available to the Northern Ireland Government to enable them to build an extra 20,000 houses during the next four years. I hope that this will enable them to proceed as vigorously as they can in setting up the Central Housing Authority. The job is being vigorously tackled, but it is a complex matter. I hope that they will bring it to a satisfactory conclusion as soon as they can.

§ Mr. Hogg
Does the right hon. Gentleman recall that last October he was good enough to pay a graceful tribute to the Conservative Party on its attitude towards Northern Ireland? Is he aware that we will continue to deserve that commendation, for which we are grateful?

§ Mr. Callaghan
I am grateful for the assistance which I have had consistently from the right hon. and learned Gentleman. But the point made by my hon. Friend, which is a valid one, is that it is dangerous in any State if the police are regarded as the servant of one party, even if that is a continuing party of the State. That is a valid point.

§ Miss Devlin
Is my right hon. Friend aware of the controversy with the Unionist Party at present and the likelihood of Major Chichester-Clark being forced by his own party to resign? This will mean that two Prime Minister will have been forced to resign in attempting to implement these reforms. May we have an assurance that this Government will not weaken when faced with the formation of any Government in Northern Ireland which refuse to bring in reforms?

§ Mr. Callaghan
My hon. Friend is asking a number of hypothetical questions. I would not expect to ask her to support Major Chichester-Clark in his efforts with his party tomorrow, but it may be that her worst fears will not be borne out.