§ 1. Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he is satisfied with the integrity of the RUC.
§ Rev. Ian PaisleyIs the Minister aware that at its annual conference last week-end the Social Democratic and Labour Party reaffirmed its non-support for the Royal Ulster Constabulary? Is he also aware that recently, after the brutal murder of two RUC personnel in East Tyrone, a prominent cleric, Father Denis Faul, speaking on television, said that the RUC was a terrorist organisation and that he would not give any information to the police about such matters? What steps will the hon. Member take to counteract the propaganda that has been launched against the integrity of the Royal Ulster Constabulary?
§ Mr. MoyleThe Government have full confidence in the integrity of the RUC. We feel that people should give the constabulary any information that they have about any crimes which have been committed. The police try to serve the public generally. I welcome expressions of public support for the police.
§ Mr. FittIs the Minister aware that at the conference to which reference has been made by the hon. Member for Antrim, North (Rev. Ian Paisley) successive speakers appealed to their constituents and to the minority in general throughout Northern Ireland that, if they were aware of any crimes being 1908 committed, particularly terrorist scheduled offences, such as murder, maiming, hijacking and robbery, they should make their information available to the police forces? Is he also aware that at this time the RUC would not be prepared to enter difficult areas, because they could be putting their lives out on a limb, in view of the availability of arms to terrorist organisations in Northern Ireland, and that the SDLP does not intend to put the life of one policeman in jeopardy in those areas?
§ Mr. MoyleI am grateful to my hon. Friend for his view about the constabulary. I confirm that policing in some areas in Northern Ireland is a problem that will take some time to solve.