HC Deb 17 June 1971 vol 819 cc614-5
3. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will publish details of arms, ammunition and explosive equipment captured in Northern Ireland as a result of searches or otherwise; and what are the sources from which they are believed to have been obtained.

The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Army (Mr. Geoffrey Johnson Smith)

Between 1st January, 1970, and 31st May, 1971, 12 machine guns, 329 other guns, over 80,000 rounds of ammunition and over 1,000 lbs of gelignite, together with miscellaneous other items, have been found in searches by the security forces. It is not the practice to reveal the results of investigation into the sources from which they may have been supplied.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Is it not a fact that gelignite is coming freely across the border carried on the person of individuals simply because there is no effective surveillance of the border? Is this not a rather farcical situation from the security point of view, and will the Ministry of Defence please give consideration to more effective military precautions being taken on the border between the United Kingdom and the Irish Republic?

Mr. Johnson Smith

There is constant patrolling of the border and the checking of vehicles to counter the possibility of smuggling arms and explosives. I assure my hon. Friend that this matter will be kept under constant review.

Mr. Kaufman

Has there been any progress in tracing the murderers of the three young Scottish soldiers? Is the Under-Secretary aware of the great concern that is felt in Northern Ireland, particularly among the minority community, that the perpetrators of this filthy crime should be found as quickly as possible?

Mr. Johnson Smith

I share the hon. Gentleman's concern and if he will table a Question on the subject I will do my best to answer it.

Mr. Stratton Mills

Will priority be given to ensuring that Scotland Yard and the security forces do everything they can to track down the sources of arms coming into Northern Ireland from England and elsewhere?

Mr. Johnson Smith

I can certainly give my hon. Friend that assurance.