HC Deb 13 December 1971 vol 828 cc40-3
Rev. Ian Paisley (by Private Notice)

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on the murder of Senator John Barnhill in Northern Ireland yesterday and whether he will now make urgent representations to the Government of the Irish Republic to ensure that they cease to harbour and give refuge to men who are perpetrating a series of murders of citizens of the United Kingdom.

The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Sir Alec Douglas-Home)

We were deeply shocked at the murder of Senator Barnhill and I know that the House will join me in expressing our deep sympathy to his family. A statement on this despicable case of murder, however, is not for me.

We have made repeated representations to the Government of the Republic of Ireland about cross-Border incidents, and in the light of the recent murders carried out close to the Border by men who are able to take refuge in the Republic, these will be renewed urgently.

Rev. Ian Paisley

I thank the Foreign Secretary for that reply. Is he aware that all right-thinking sections of the Northern Ireland community on both sides of the religious fence utterly condemn this vile murder? Does he agree that, as there has been from all right-thinking sections of the community this united expression of detestation, now is the time to push representations with the Irish Republic on this issue?

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this is the fifth cold-blooded murder in this area and that those who have been committing these crimes have been seen to escape across the border? Does he agree that if incursions of this kind were made into any other part of the United Kingdom and any other Government in Europe were harbouring such criminals Her Majesty's Government would take effective steps to put an end to the matter once and for all?

Sir Alec Douglas-Home

The House will have recognised the universal condemnation of this deliberate murder. We shall, as I told my hon. Friend, urge the Government of the Republic to take effective action to control these people on their side of the border.

Mr. Healey

May I associate Her Majesty's Opposition with the Foreign Secretary's sentiments about the appalling incidents which have occurred in Northern Ireland in the last week or two?

The right hon. Gentleman will have noted with profound approval the forthright statement of Cardinal Conway condemning recent incidents of violence of this nature. Does the Foreign Secretary agree that the sense of shock which is felt among all communities and on both sides of the frontier in Ireland may present him with an opportunity to have talks with the Government of the Republic of Eire which could set this whole issue on a happier path? Will he consider with his right hon. Friend the Prime Minister whether the time has not come to take up the longer-term perspectives opened up by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the Opposition in a recent speech which I think had wide approval on both sides of the House?

Sir Alec Douglas-Home

I have, of course, noted the statement of Cardinal Conway, and I welcome it, as the right hon. Gentleman does. I think this is an opportunity to take up with the Government of the Irish Republic these matters, for which they must accept some responsibility for control on their side of the Border. On the wider questions, the right hon. Gentleman will know that my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary is today in Belfast, and I hope that progress will be made towards discussions with all parties.

Mr. McMaster

Is my right hon. Friend aware that since the statement and suggestions made by the Leader of the Opposition there has, in fact, been an increase in the amount of violence in Northern Ireland? [Interruption.] Is he also aware that, despite the many representations which Her Majesty's Government have stated that they have made in the past, the Government of the South of Ireland are still harbouring these men and are not bringing them effectively to justice?

Will my right hon. Friend study what economic and other pressures may be put on the South of Ireland, because the people of the North will not tolerate large numbers of people in the South having freedom to move freely into and out of this country, exercising the franchise while they are here, remembering that during the last I.R.A. campaign between 1956 and 1962 the South of Ireland interned large numbers of known and self-confessed I.R.A. criminals? Will he see that the South of Ireland takes effective measures to bring this campaign of assassination to an end?

Sir Alec Douglas-Home

I said that we would do our best in representations to and discussions with the Government of the Republic. I do not really think that there is any point in going far back in history on this issue. I would rather, as the right hon. Member for Leeds, East (Mr. Healey) said, look at this as an opportunity to obtain a constructive attitude.

Mr. Orme

Is the Foreign Secretary aware that all hon. Members on this side of the House condemn this atrocious murder? Has he noted the statement not only of Cardinal Conway but of the S.D.L.P., which in forthright terms has also condemned this murder?

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that those who are suggesting political initiatives are not responsible for the escalation and that what we need now is a fresh political initiative from Her Majesty's Government? Does he agree that that would be not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength, and that something will have to be done about internment if we are to have some de-escalation of this serious matter?

Sir Alec Douglas-Home

Everyone is totally sickened by these crimes which have continued for so long. My right hon. Friend goes to Northern Ireland to seek a political initiative, and I suggest that the hon. Gentleman awaits his return, and then, if he wishes, he can put to him any questions he may have.

Sir D. Walker-Smith

Does my right hon. Friend appreciate that, while everybody warmly welcomes the proper condemnation by Cardinal Conway of these murders and outrages, the immediate necessity is to ensure prompt and effective executive action by the Irish authorities to restrain and prevent these outrages?

Sir Alec Douglas-Home

Yes, Sir, and that was the point of my reply.