§ Q2. Mr. Dalyellasked the Prime Minister when he next hopes to make an official visit to Northern Ireland.
§ The Prime MinisterI have at present no plans to do so, Sir.
§ Mr. DalyellIs not the unpalatable reality that in Long Kesh and in the nineteenth-century girls' prison in Armagh we are breeding a loathing of English politicians among the next generation in Ulster? Is my right hon. Friend aware that some of his hon. Friends were shaken to witness with our own eyes the drilling of squads and the Conditz-like atmosphere in Long Kasha? As Ireland is becoming our Algeria, is there not a case for my right hon. Friend going to Ireland and making the kind of speech that Harold Macmillan made in Africa on the "wind of change", and spelling out the end of internment without trial?
§ The Prime MinisterThe loathing felt at the parading of Para-military forces of both extremes in Northern Ireland is something that is felt by all of us, whether the marching is in Belfast, in this country or elsewhere.
My hon. Friend referred to Long Kesh. It has been said that Long Kesh is becoming a university of disruption and subversion. At Long Kesh there are now detainees from both extremes. I do not think I would accept my hon. Friend's conclusions. I believe that the future dangers arising from hatred for this country are inculcated not only in Long Kesh but, as I said in a speech in this House as long ago as 1971, by the activities of young children on both sides as accomplices in murder, as well as by the throwing of stones and bottles, and that we are already seeing the training of the terrorists of the 1980s and 1990s. That is what we must now worry about. I do not agree with my hon. Friend's conclusions. I think that the views I have expressed are the fairly general views of the House which were indicated during the two-day debate last week.
§ Rear-Admiral Morgan-GilesWithout waiting to visit Northern Ireland, will the Prime Minister consider again the work of the Army, which is carrying the can for us month in, month out? Will he consider whether a piddling allowance of 50p a day is the right rate for the job?
§ The Prime MinisterWithout commenting on the hon. and gallant Gentleman's language—[Interruption.] It sounded a bit repetitive. I discussed the matter seriously with the GOC and others in Northern Ireland, and because of that the decision was taken—not by the Government but on the advice of the advisory panel which goes into these matters —and I believe that it was much welcomed.