HC Deb 15 November 1973 vol 864 cc655-6
13. Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects to make an announcement about his response to the common law enforcement area proposed by the Minister for External Affairs in the Republic of Eire.

Mr. Whitelaw

I cannot yet say, but the proposals are being examined.

Mr. Kilfedder

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the deep resentment felt throughout Northern Ireland at the idea that the Dublin Government should seriously suggest a modification in the existing British judicial system which would mean that British citizens would be tried by the courts of a foreign State for crimes committed within the United Kingdom? Does not my right hon. Friend regard that as an arrogant and unacceptable proposal?

Mr. Whitelaw

I think that my hon. Friend will have to consider this matter in the broadest possible context. Complicated legal issues are involved. If my hon. Friend and others, with whom I strongly associate myself, find it difficult to accept the position when extradition happens to exist as a one-way traffic and we are not able to get people extradited from the South because of the present legal process, they have to realise that if there were a change in that situation it could be of great advantage to all concerned. If, in the interests of security throughout the whole of Ireland—North and South—there were greater co-operation, which would mean more co-operation across the border, that could only be in the best interests of everyone concerned. That is the basis upon which all these discussions are proceeding.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

The Opposition hope that this idea will be considered seriously because, for the reasons given by the right hon. Gentleman, after a political solution has been found security will remain one of the basic issues to be dealt with.

Mr. Whitelaw

That is undoubtedly true, and I agree with the hon. Gentleman. I add only that no one can doubt the importance of close co-operation between the authorities in the North and the South as a means of ending violence.