HC Deb 22 March 1971 vol 814 cc34-44
The Prime Minister (Mr. Edward Heath)

With your permission, Mr. Speaker, and that of the House, I wish to make a statement on the position in Northern Ireland.

The House will have shared the regret which the Government felt at the news that Major Chichester-Clark had decided to resign. This Government, and right hon. Gentleman opposite before us, have had a constructive working relationship with him, and we have all admired the determination with which he has pursued the policies which he and we believe to be right in Northern Ireland. There has been no basic difference of view between us about these policies, whether in the social, economic or security fields.

Considerable progress has been made during his term of office in social and economic measures, and in institutional changes, designed to ensure equality and fairness between every citizen in Northern Ireland. This progress was already beginning to bring about an evident improvement in the relations between the two main communities in the province. This improvement is now being deliberately put at risk by extremists who regard a reduction of communal tension as contrary to their purposes. These extremists have resorted to the tactics of urban guerrilla warfare and outright terrorism.

The functions of the security forces in Northern Ireland remain twofold. First, to maintain law and order and to prevent communal strife. Second, to root out terrorism and to deal with extremists with the least possible damage to the progress that has been achieved and to the lives and welfare of innocent people. The Army will act in pursuance of this policy with the utmost vigour, and the British Government will continue to support the Army with all the authority which is needed to carry out the military measures judged necessary for the purpose.

Following Major Chichester-Clark's visit to London last Tuesday, the decision was taken to send an additional artillery regiment in an infantry rôle, an infantry battalion and an armoured reconnaissance squadron to Northern Ireland. The artillery regiment has now arrived, and the others will follow in the next day or two.

I am sure the House will wish to pay tribute to the character and bearing of the troops in the difficult circumstances in which they are operating.

We well appreciate the gravity of the threat posed by the terrorists, the disruption which it inflicts upon the life and economy of the province and the continuing strain which it imposes upon the people of Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, and it is our firm purpose to work for the same standards there as elsewhere in the United Kingdom, whether it be in economic and social progress or in the maintenance of law and order. That is the object of the policies pursued by right hon. Gentlemen opposite and by my colleagues and myself. The United Kingdom Government, who have the ultimate authority and responsibility for Northern Ireland, will give their full support to any Government there which co-operates in implementing the policies which we judge right for those purposes.

Mr. Harold Wilson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he is entitled to the full support of the House in his insistence on maintaining the policies which two successive Governments and two successive Oppositions have maintained, in seeking reconciliation between the communities and the outlawing of violence, from wherever it may come, and also in the tribute he paid to Major Chichester-Clark for the great devotion to duty he showed in extremely difficult circumstances?

Second, will the right hon. Gentleman confirm that British troops, who have carried out most difficult and dangerous tasks in an exemplary way, were put in total charge of security in August, 1969, only on the basis that they would be neutral, firm and fair as between religious and political communities and on the basis that the civil rights programme would continue? We take his statement as confirming that that is the position.

Third, will the right hon. Gentleman also confirm that there is no question of rearming the Royal Ulster Constabulary or of the reconstitution of the B Specials?

I do not press the right hon. Gentleman for an answer on this now—I have not raised it with him—but, fourth, will he consider whether the time may not have come to revoke all private gun licences in Northern Ireland and to confine new issues to those who have an absolute need, for farming, for example, or those living in remote districts, who are entitled to protection, and, indeed, self-protection?

Finally, would he agree that this House —with our ultimate responsibility for Northern Ireland, and as custodians of the principles set out in the Downing Street declaration that all citizens of Northern Ireland must have the same rights and the same equality of treatment as every other citizen of the United Kingdom—should have the opportunity to debate this urgent question at the earliest reasonable opportunity, not perhaps today or tomorrow, I would suggest—and perhaps that would meet the convenience of the House—but when the new Government in Northern Ireland are in being and have stated what their policy is to be on the issues raised by the right hon. Gentleman? Does he agree that it might be helpful if the usual channels could get together to decide when would be the most convenient and helpful day for a debate, which is necessary, and which is on an extremely delicate situation?

The Prime Minister

I much appreciate the right hon. Gentleman's opening words and the support which he has given for the continuation of the policies pursued since 1969. I have already emphasised that it is the rôle of the British troops to help in the maintenance of law and order, which is to be based on ensuring equality and fairness between every citizen in Northern Ireland.

Questions of the re-creation of the B Specials or the rearming of the police were not raised with us at any time by Major Chichester-Clark or by the Northern Ireland Government and, as the right hon. Gentleman knows, we are opposed to this.

We shall certainly examine the right hon. Gentleman's other point about the revocation of gun licences.

I agree that it would be appropriate for the House to debate the matter at a suitable time. I will ask my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House to enter into discussions through the usual channels about a suitable time for a debate.

Captain Orr

Is my right hon. Friend aware that we appreciate his having postponed his visit to Bonn to make the statement himself, which emphasises its gravity? Will he ask my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House to note that we think that the debate should be this week, though we agree with the Leader of the Opposition that it should not be today?

On the general question, is my right hon. Friend aware that what has happened is that the exponents of terrorism have succeeded in one of their aims, which is to bring down another moderate Northern Ireland Prime Minister, and that what is at stake is not a question of Right or Left wing, or the reform programme or anything like it? What is at stake is a demand by the entire population of Northern Ireland, with very minimal exceptions, that the Queen's Writ should run everywhere, that this intolerable situation, which has led like an open sore to the crisis, should be brought speedily to an end. To that extent we welcome, if they are followed by deeds, my right hon. Friend's words to indicate a political will so to do.

The Prime Minister

I am sure that my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House has taken note of my hon. and gallant Friend's point about the timing of the debate. As to the general position, of course there is a political will in this Government and, I believe, in this Parliament to ensure stability and law and order in Northern Ireland. I must make it plain that there is no area in Belfast or in Northern Ireland to which Her Majesty's Forces do not go. I put this point specifically to the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland last Tuesday during our discussions and again on Friday, and he assured me that this was the case, as indeed the G.O.C. and the C.G.S. had already assured by colleagues and myself. The patrolling is carried on wherever the Army wishes to do it, and at the times it wishes to do it. Other measures, where they are militarily advisable, will be taken. We are bound to consider the advice of our military advisers and to form our judgment upon it; and so far we have found it convincing.

Mr. McNamara

Is the Prime Minister aware that many people will welcome his statement today, following the statement by his right hon. Friend the Home Secretary in the debate in February, and in particular the fact that he underlined the Downing Street declaration of equality of treatment amongst all sections of the community? Can he confirm that, whoever the next Prime Minister or next Government of Northern Ireland will be, Her Majesty's Government will press ahead with the reforms that are still outstanding and see that they are carried forward, particularly local government reform, which has been a major cause of concern?

With regard to the question of rearming the police, while I accept the generality of his statement, will he particularise and deny that he will allow a heavily-armed special riot squad to be formed, as rumoured in the Press today, which would take us back to the old position?

The Prime Minister

I again emphasise that the reform programme has never been in question. It has never been suggested that it should not be carried ahead as fast as possible. I believe that that has always been the intention of Major Chichester-Clark and his Government. It is for them to carry it through. We will give every support to a Government which carries on with that policy. I have made a very specific statement that the question of arming the police was not raised with us, and we are opposed to it.

Mr. Thorpe

Is the Prime Minister aware that his clear and firm statement this afternoon entitles him and the Government, on this issue, to support from all quarters of the House? Is it not a fact that the Premier of Northern Ireland, who has shown great courage and has resigned with great dignity, felt unable to persuade some of his supporters, particularly outside the Stormont Parliament, to show the same confidence in the judgment of the military authorities as they enjoy in this House? We recognise that his successor will have the same problems.

Reverting to the question raised by the Leader of the Opposition, in view of the tremendously high incidence of arms held in private hands, if the military should so advise, would not it be a wise move to have a general calling-in of arms coupled with a widespread search by the Army following it to find out those who are unwilling to co-operate?

The Prime Minister

I appreciate the right hon. Gentleman's support. I hope it will be seen in Northern Ireland that there is the full support of all the parties in the House for the policies on which we have embarked and which we are determined to carry through. The matter raised by the right hon. Gentleman in the last part of his question can be considered. There are various aspects which we should like to take into account.

Mr. Deedes

Does my right hon. Friend agree that a central danger now is the development of a new style in what he described as urban guerrilla warfare, to which neither the Northern Ireland police or our Army are finding it easy to get the right answers, but that until we can get closer to those answers any regime in Northern Ireland will find itself in great difficulties?

The Prime Minister

It would be fair to say that no security force anywhere in the world has yet found a complete answer to urban guerrillas. Nevertheless, I believe that our own forces have made progress. But it is not possible to reveal the steps which they are taking—indeed, to do so would be self-defeating. This is linked to the last point put by my right hon. Friend. A Government may find themselves in difficulties in Stormont unless there is understanding by the people of Northern Ireland as to what the problem really is and how hard the forces and the Governments are working to overcome it. I hope also that they will recognise what Major Chichester-Clark pointed out in his own statement—that there is overall responsibility here, in the United Kingdom Parliament and in the United Kingdom Government, for the security forces and that the policies in Ulster have been carried on in that context. If there can be united support on that basis, as there is in this House, we shall stand an infinitely better chance of getting on top of the terrorism as quickly as the people want.

Mr. Molloy

In an endeavour to get united support amongst all sections of opinion, with the exception of the evil extremists, would the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to consider the proposal I put on 18th February, which he said was worth looking at? This was that, in addition to all parties trying to find a solution, he should take the initiative in seeking to draw together the leaders of all the faiths among the people of Northern Ireland—including Cardinal Conway, the Primate of All Ireland—to give their moral support to the endeavours of the British troops and help to bring sanity back to Northern Ireland.

The Prime Minister

That proposal was in fact pursued. On his last visit to Northern Ireland, my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary met exactly those groups the hon. Gentleman has described. Indeed, after Major Chichester-Clark returned from the weekend of talks at Chequers, he was able to meet Cardinal Conway for, I think, the first time. So there is evidence of an improvement in relations between the communities and of groups drawing closer together. It is obviously the purpose of the terrorists to destroy this and we shall not allow ourselves to be provoked into action which will undermine the progress made in this direction already.

Mr. Stratton Mills

Is my right hon. Friend aware that Major Chichester-Clark demonstrated his sincerity and integrity over two very difficult years, during which he has pushed through a reform programme? Is my right hon. Friend further aware that Major Chichester-Clark's downfall came not as a result of a successful overthrow by the Right wing but by growing frustration about his dealings with Whitehall? Can my right hon. Friend convince the House that the Army is winning this battle against urban guerrillas and that the security situation is improving?

The Prime Minister

I understand how deeply my hon. Friend is affected by these matters, but I cannot accept his accusation that the resignation of Major Chichester-Clark was due to frustration with this Government or Whitehall. Last Tuesday, I had the opportunity, with my colleagues, of going over specific points of policy with Major Chichester-Clark, particularly about security, and we both agreed that all the measures which should be taken should be militarily sound. I would have thought that the whole House would have supported us in this. We are not prepared to take measures which might appear to give in the short term some political satisfaction to those who will not study the problem. We will only carry through military measures which we believe are going to be effective on the best advice available to us. That view was shared by Major Chichester-Clark.

Miss Devlin

Is the Prime Minister aware that many of the so-called terrorists will not be found in the streets but on the back benches of the Ulster Unionist Party? Is he further aware that the main problem in Northern Ireland is a difference within the ruling Government there as to which is more important, the unity of the governing party or the unity of the people, and that while many steps may be taken to put through the existing reform programme it will not be carried through while that situation continues?

Is the Prime Minister further aware that the greatest threat to the security of the people lies in the fact that, at the beginning of this year, our unemployment figure was 10 per cent., and that it is increasing because of the policies of Her Majesty's Government? It is not the military security of Northern Ireland which should be dealt with by this House but the social security of Northern Ireland. The right hon. Gentleman cannot send us soldiers and on the other hand implement policies making the position of the working class, both Catholic and Protestant, increasingly worse and increasing their difficulties and frustration and the possibility of sectarian violence. He cannot legislate against the working class and then send soldiers to keep them quiet.

The Prime Minister

The Government of Northern Ireland, with the full support of all parties in this House, have been pressing through a reform programme and it is very near completion. This seems to have removed grievances which may have existed before in Northern Ireland. The trouble now is the use of force by terrorists to prevent stability being created. If the hon. Lady will condemn violence in every form throughout Northern Ireland, of which, I believe, the people are sick and heartily tired, she will do more to encourage investment and employment in Northern Ireland than in any other way.

Mr. Biffen

Will my right hon. Friend confirm that it is his judgment and also that it was the judgment of Major Chichester-Clark that all parts of Belfast are subject to an equally effective military presence?

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir. That is my judgment, and it is the advice I received from our military advisers. It was also Major Chichester-Clark's advice.

Mr. Callaghan

Following on the previous question from the Opposition benches, and in full support of what the right hon. Gentleman has said, may I ask whether the greatest service that could be done by those who speak for public opinion, whether in this House, on either side, or elsewhere, is not to bring home to the people of Northern Ireland the essential facts of the situation? Whatever short-term political consequences may be, is it not the responsibility, especially of Unionist Members, to tell some of their colleagues in Northern Ireland to stop playing the fool and recognise the real position in this situation?

The Prime Minister

I understand what the right hon. Gentleman means, although I could not use the same language in speaking of Unionists. But I hope that, in Northern Ireland generally and in Stormont, the Unionist Party will be able to unite behind the new Prime Minister and leader of the party and recognise how wholeheartedly the security forces and both Governments are trying to deal with this problem. We recognise the disruption it causes them and the immense strain placed upon them. At the same time, it will take a certain time—I would not make a forecast of how long—to deal with the problem. It cannot be dealt with overnight because of its nature but if there is understanding over there, that will be the quickest way of bringing the problem to an end.

Rev. Ian Paisley

In view of the fact that the Prime Minister has confirmed that Major Chichester-Clark did not ask for the rearming of the R.U.C. or the recall of the Ulster Special Constabulary, can he tell us what Major Chichester-Clark did ask for? Could he give reasons as to why Major Chichester-Clark did not get what he asked for, subsequently resigning as Prime Minister of Northern Ireland? Can the right hon. Gentleman also inform the House that, even although there are areas of Belfast through which the military go at speed in their vehicles, there is no law and order in those areas as far as the police are concerned? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that recently the Minister of Home Affairs in Northern Ireland—now the Prime Minister—told Stormont that, in the Andersonstown-Springfield Road area, there were 811 acts of violence this year against policemen and police stations and that only 18 people were arrested and brought to the courts for such attacks?

The Prime Minister

I stated that Her Majesty's Forces are able to and do go anywhere in Northern Ireland, and theirs is the responsibility. I appreciate the problems which face the police, and, indeed, the dangers which they face constantly and the casualties they have suffered. That is why the forces are prepared to support the police and accompany them when they are required to do so. That, I think, is the main point about the question of the maintenance of law and order.

During Major Chichester-Clark's visit we went over the arrangements for security in Northern Ireland and the strength of the forces, and afterwards we allocated the additional two battalions and the armoured squadron. We went over the question of cordoning, the disposition of the forces and the actions they take to deal with the new form of urban guerrilla warfare. It was on the basis of our discussion that the G.O.C. has been examining further ways of dealing with this, which he will implement as and when he concludes that it is militarily right and wise to do so.

Several Hon. Members

rose—

Mr. Speaker

Order. Hon. Members have heard that there is the prospect of a debate on the subject.

Mr. Pounder

On a point of order. Mr. Speaker. Earlier I gave you notice that I would seek to secure a debate on Northern Ireland under Standing Order No. 9, but in view of what has been said by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and what I took to be his categorical assurance that there would be an early debate, with your permission, I shall not pursue the matter.