HC Deb 08 June 1972 vol 838 cc687-8
13. Mr. Fitt

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he is aware that torture is being used at interrogation centres in Northern Ireland; and whether he will bring this practice to an end.

Mr. Whitelaw

I am aware that allegations have been made of maltreatment of persons in custody. All cases where specific representations have been made to me are being investigated.

Mr. Fitt

While I recognise and accept the Secretary of State's honesty in connection with the charges that have been made, in view of the number of cases that have been brought to his attention, would he not concede that it is quite possible that members of the RUC and the security forces are deliberately engaging in these techniques with the intention of discrediting the Secretary of State? Will he give an assurance that if cases are proved against such individuals in the security forces they will be immediately dismissed?

Mr. Whitelaw

On the first point, I have no evidence to that effect at all. On the second point, as the hon. Member appreciates, if specific allegations when inquired into have to be further investigated there are the normal processes of law which must be followed. It is not for me to enter into such matters at this stage. I must tell the House in addition that all sorts of allegations are made to me and I investigate them all, though some of them—and I hope the House will appreciate this—as has been said in another instance, turn out to be more of a propaganda nature than fact.

Rev. Ian Paisley

Would the right hon. Gentleman agree that no good can come of seeking to set the Army and the police against his administration in Northern Ireland? Would he care to comment upon the statement made last night by the ex-Prime Minister of Northern Ireland that the Army and the police are opposed to his policy of internment?

Mr. Whitelaw

There can be no good purpose, nor is there any risk of the circumstances outlined in the hon. Gentleman's first question happening. As to the question of allegations being made that the Army and the police are against the policy which the British Government are pursuing, that is something which is constitutionally impossible because the British Government, of which I am a member, are responsible for the policies under which the Armed Forces of the Crown and the police operate. We are responsible to this House for that policy, not I alone but the whole of the British Government.