§ 1. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement about relations with the Irish Republic.
§ The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Sir Alec Douglas-Home)It is our wish and intention to maintain good relations with the people and Government of the Irish Republic.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonWhile I agree with that, is not the ease with which notorious IRA men cross and recross the Border making this country a laughing stock? What progress is being made with Dublin, which is at least as much threatened by the IRA as we are, and has consideration been given to joint Border control by the RUC and the Garda Siochana?
§ Sir Alec Douglas-HomeI echo my hon. Friend's concern. Dreadful things are happening on the Border. The situation causes us deep concern in the Government. The more co-operation there can be on the Border between the Irish Republican forces and our forces, the better this will be. I will convey my hon. Friend's suggestion to the right quarter.