NORTHERN IRELAND (Hansard, 19 July 1973)

§ 5. Mr. Sydney Chapman
asked the Prime Minister if he will pay an official visit to Northern Ireland.

§ The Prime Minister
I have at present no plans for a further visit.

§ Mr. Chapman
Is my right hon. Friend aware of the deep concern and bitterness felt by many people in this country about a front page headlined report in a British national newspaper alleging that our troops were not provided with the best form of personal body armour? As these reports were unfounded and the allegations untrue, will he look seriously at the Government information services to see that the Press is given adequate information? Will he use the considerable authority of his office to remind the British Press of its responsibility towards British troops in Ulster?

§ The Prime Minister
As regards information to the Press—my right hon. Friend is here with me on the Front Bench—if the Press wishes to check any item of information about Ulster, all the facilities are available day and night for that to be done, either in Belfast or in London. I do not think there is any problem about that. But, naturally, the responsibility rests with the Press, or the correspondent concerned, to do the checking.
It is true that there are two forms of personal protection of flak jackets available. One is used by the police, because they believe that it bests suits their purpose and they have to defend themselves, 707 on the whole, against low-velocity weapons at short range. That form of protection is, I think, slightly heavier. The Army has chosen the form of protection which protects the troops against what they believe to be their greatest danger, which is the high-velocity weapon. This form of protection gives them greater mobility in the duties they have to perform. Therefore, there is justification for the policy and for the Army choosing the form of protection which bests suits it.

§ Mr. Harold Wilson
Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that, as and when the Secretary of State is successful, as we hope, in securing an agreement with all concerned in Northern Ireland to make it possible to implement the intentions of the House in the Northern Ireland Constitution Act, he will have no hesitation in immediately recommending that Mr. Speaker shall recall the House so that we may put into effect the necessary legislative instrument?

§ The Prime Minister
Yes, Sir, I can give the right hon. Gentleman an absolute assurance on that point. Naturally, we should discuss the matter first through the usual channels. The House may rest completely assured that, if that situation should arise, we shall not hesitate to approach Mr. Speaker.

§ Mr. Stratton Mills
Will my right hon. Friend confirm that it is still his intention to advise Her Majesty the Queen to visit Northern Ireland at an early but appropriate moment?

§ The Prime Minister
It is not customary for Her Majesty to seek my advice about visits to parts of the United Kingdom.

§ Mr. McMaster
As, following the passage of the Assembly Bill in Northern Ireland, this House is now almost totally responsible for the affairs of Northern Ireland, would it not be appropriate for my right hon. Friend to reconsider his decision and pay an early visit to this part of the United Kingdom, which will in future be increasingly administered from Westminster?

§ The Prime Minister
The basis of my hon. Friend's question is not entirely correct. After the Assembly meets and the Executive is formed, this House will be able to devolve powers to the Assembly and to the Executive. That would mean 708 that far more power would be exercised in Northern Ireland than during the period of direct rule.
As for my own movements, as my hon Friend knows it has not been customary for me to announce very far in advance when I am actually going to Northern Ireland.