§ Q2. Mr. Molloyasked the Prime Minister when he next intends officially to visit Northern Ireland.
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave on 4th July to a Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Surbiton (Mr. Nigel Fisher).—[Vol. 840, c. 109.]
§ Mr. MolloyWill the Prime Minister consider going to Northern Ireland with the object of encouraging the establishment of a peace council to include people from all walks of life—commerce, management, and the trade unions—which could be chaired by an eminent person such as Cardinal Conway and a Protestant of equivalent status in the Protestant Church in Northern Ireland? The people could then show their allegiance to a new body without being forced to support extremists on both sides.
§ The Prime MinisterI am always prepared to consider going to Northern Ireland at the appropriate time, but I think that the hon. Gentleman and others recognise that there are certain difficulties 2050 about that. I have a great deal of sympathy with what the hon. Gentleman proposes. The question is whether the moment is right to set up a formal body of this kind. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is in discussion with members of all parties and all faiths on the question of talks on the future organisation of government in Northern Ireland. I hope that much will emerge from that. I will bear in mind what the hon. Gentleman proposes.
§ Mr. McMasterWill the Prime Minister consider visiting the homes of those people who were killed or mutilated as a result of the daylight terrorist attacks last Friday on men, women and children in the streets of Northern Ireland? In the light of the complete failure of the Government's political initiative in March to provide adequate protection against such murderous and indiscriminate Republican attacks on men and women in Northern Ireland, will my right hon. Friend ensure that the security forces take the appropriate steps to deprive these Republican terrorists of their sanctuary in no-go areas in Belfast, Londonderry and elsewhere which are still not properly policed?
§ The Prime MinisterIf I were to go to Northern Ireland, I would of course consider whether it was possible to visit those who have suffered and who are in hospital. On the last part of the supplementary question, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has been absolutely right to try to bring about conciliation between the two groups in Northern Ireland. At the same time, the Army has shown from time to time that, when it is necessary for it to take firm action, it does so.
§ Mr. Harold WilsonIs the Prime Minister aware that, on the question of when and whether he visits Northern Ireland, I repeat what I said to him last time, that this must be entirely a matter for him having regard to all the factors, security and otherwise, existing there? On the broader advice being given to him following this question, the right hon. Gentleman, recalling Monday's debate, will be aware, I hope, that we on this side of the House have given our full support to the Secretary of State and the policies that he has followed and shall continue to do so so long as he continues with those policies.
§ The Prime MinisterI thank the Leader of the Opposition for those remarks. I think that there has been general agreement throughout the House that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is right to keep to the path of conciliation, and that where terrorists indulge in their activities it is necessary for the Army to deal with them.