§ Q6. Mr. McMasterasked the Prime Minister what plans he now has to pay an official visit to Northern Ireland.
§ The Prime MinisterI have at present no plans to pay a further official visit. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has spent much of the time since his appointment in Northern Ireland: he will continue to do so, and also intends that a Minister of his Department should be present there at all times.
§ Mr. McMasterIn view of the serious deterioration of the situation in Northern Ireland in the last few days, is my right hon. Friend aware that a visit by him to see the extent of the terror would be greatly appreciated by the much-maligned majority? If he cannot go there, will he take steps to inform the population of Northern Ireland how democracy and law and order are to be restored to every part of the Province?
§ The Prime MinisterThe hon. Gentleman knows about the problem of law and order, but I do not understand his point about democracy. Northern Ireland is represented in this Parliament by the hon. Gentleman, among others, and there is a Secretary of State for Northern Ireland who is responsible to this Parliament. In that respect it is very much like other parts of the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. DuffyWhen the Prime Minister receives advice in future from the hon. Member for Belfast, East (Mr. McMaster), will he bear in mind that the present crisis in Northern Ireland has its roots in the policy which was supported in this House, uncritically for many years, by that hon. Member and by some of his hon. Friends from Ulster?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. I try not to go back into the past on matters connected with Northern Ireland, because 228 right hon. Friend the Secretary of state for Northern Ireland and right hon. and hon. Members on both sides of the House are trying desperately to establish in Northern Ireland a climate and atmosphere in which violence may be reduced and the community may be able to live together, so that we may find a solution to the constitutional problems.
§ Mr. Stratton MillsWill the Prime Minister make it absolutely clear that he has no objection, either in principle or in practice, to the complete integration of Northern Ireland inside the United Kingdom if the majority of people so desire it?
§ The Prime MinisterThis is a matter which must be discussed with all those concerned. Our objective must be to try to find a solution that is acceptable not only to a majority or minority, but to the people of Northern Ireland as a whole.
§ Mr. McMasterIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.