§ 12. Mr. Thomas Coxasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he last met the Londonderry Commission.
§ Mr. WhitelawOn 24th April, 1972. When I was in Londonderry last Monday I had discussions with one member of the commission and the general manager, Mr. Bryan.
§ Mr. CoxMay I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that reply? In view of the support that many people in Derry are now giving to him and his colleagues, can he give the assurance to the House that to help employment he will see that as much financial aid as possible is forthcoming, because it is on this key issue that much of the future prosperity and stability in Derry and the surrounding area depends?
§ Mr. WhitelawI am glad to tell the hon. Gentleman and the House that financial aid is no bar. Finance will be made available. What is needed is an end to the terrorism and the violence and, in the interests of everyone in the city, an end to the no-go areas in the Bogside and the Creggan. Although real efforts are being made, much better efforts would then be able to be made to improve the prosperity of the whole City.