HC Deb 09 December 1975 vol 902 cc229-32
Q5. Mr. Marten

asked the Prime Minister when he will next meet the Prime Minister of the Republic of Ireland.

The Prime Minister

I met Mr. Cosgrave at the European Council Meeting in Rome last week. I have no immediate plans for a further meeting with him.

Mr. Marten

If the Prime Minister should meet the Prime Minister of the Irish Republic, will he discuss with him the somewhat historical oddity that the citizens of Southern Ireland have the right to vote at General Elections in this country? Will he also bring that subject into the review of citizenship that is now taking place?

The Prime Minister

Perhaps I ought to declare a constituency interest in this matter. There are many matters for discussion with the Irish Government. Discussions are continuing all the time. I think that the hon. Gentleman will be willing to pay tribute to the courage of the Irish Government not only in the recent confrontation in which terrorists were involved but also for the fact that they have introduced, as a result of discussions between the two countries, the Republic's Criminal Law Jurisdiction Bill, involving apprehension by them of those who, on the other side of the border, are regarded by us as potential criminals who should be put on trial.

Mr. Marten

Will the Prime Minister answer the question?

The Prime Minister

It is a matter for discussion between the two Governments, but there is a long tradition of understanding between our two countries on the right to vote.

Mr. Fairbairn

While discussing these matters with the Prime Minister of Ireland, will the Prime Minister advise him that it is not the desire of anyone in Scotland that citizens of the Republic of Ireland should be entitled to sit in the Assembly?

The Prime Minister

The hon. and learned Gentleman claims to speak for all the citizens of Scotland. These are matters that can be discussed in the debates on devolution.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

I welcome the cordial relations that now exist between London and Dublin, and hope, as the Prime Minister does, for the speedy passage through Dail Eireann of the Criminal Law Jurisdiction Bill. Will the Prime Minister ensure that there are no further muddles as there was over the Mary Kearney case, in connection with extradition? Will he ensure that the Director of Public Prosecutions and others concerned have their machinery clearly defined, and that there is the closest co-operation between the two Governments and all concerned in the matter?

The Prime Minister

With regard to the latter part of the hon. Gentleman's question, I do not think that it would be helpful for me to comment on a matter that is essentially an operational question for the police forces concerned. Even on the question of the recent terrorist act affecting a Netherlands citizen, there was the closest co-operation between our police forces. We are in regular contact with the Republic about the enforcement of the criminal law. We look forward to introducing, as soon as possible, joint arrangements for extending extra-territorial jurisdiction over fugitive offenders.

The hon. Gentleman welcomed the closer relationship between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of the Republic. It is only fair to say that the improvement began in the period in office of my predecessor as Prime Minister. A big step forward took place in those years.

Mr. Heffer

Does my right hon. Friend recall that during the last war many thousands of citizens of Eire came to this country, joined our Armed Forces and died fighting for this country and its beliefs? Is he aware that great cities such as Liverpool would not have been built without the efforts of ordinary Irishmen? Is it not stupid for hon. Members to begin this sort of opposition to the citizens of Eire because of an immediate problem concerning the IRA?

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir. I entirely agree with the wise words of my hon. Friend on this question. It is certainly a fact that many thousands of Irish citizens took part in fighting against the Hitler terror, and many of them died. This stems from a belief in democracy common to our two countries. Over hundreds of years we have had a close relationship with them—a love-hate relationship. There was sometimes more hate than love in the past, when, for example, they were part of the United Kingdom. I believe that in recent years the efforts of successive Governments have helped to create a much more co-operative relationship with them. As for what my hon. Friend said about Merseyside, we are both Merseyside Members, and I entirely agree with him.