Republic of Ireland (Hansard, 17 July 1974)

§ 14. Mr. Mather
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about relations with the Irish Republic.

§ The Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Roy Hattersley)
Our relations with the Irish Republic are good. It is our wish and intention that they should remain so.

§ Mr. Mather
Is it right that this country should continue to be taken to 435 task by the Irish Government at the European Court of Human Rights at Strasboug? Does this not impugn the whole honour of our security forces in Northern Ireland? Has the hon. Gentleman taken any action to press for this hostile motion to be dropped? Does he realise that this action, taken by the previous Irish Government, may greatly damage our relations with the present Irish Government?

§ Mr. Hattersley
This Government, like their predecessors, have continued vigorously to contest the allegations made by the Government of Ireland. The hon. Gentleman will know that even though the case is before the court there is opportunity for a friendly settlement. We continue to hope that the Irish Government will take that course of action. In the meantime we shall continue our vigorous denial of the allegations.

§ Mr. Dalyell
In the interests of the success of the Convention in the North, may I ask that our relations with the Irish Government be kept at a low profile?

§ Mr. Hattersley
There is a good deal to be said for that. I agree with that contention and I hope that my hon. Friend will agree with it too, and act accordingly.

§ Mr. Goodhart
In view of the widespread concern in Dublin about the course of our negotiations with the rest of the European Community, will the hon. Member consider publishing a White Paper setting out the implications for Anglo-Irish trade if we were to withdraw from the Common Market?

§ Mr. Hattersley
When the time comes for the British people to decide whether we should remain a member of the Community, a White Paper considering all the implications of withdrawal will be produced. This will deal with our relationships with the Irish Republic.