HC Deb 16 January 1975 vol 884 cc660-1
9. Mr. Wm. Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, after the return to Northern Ireland of the clergymen who had discussions with the IRA in the village of Feakle in Eire, what contact they made with his Department; and what request they made for the release of detainees or change in the rôle of, or the arming of, the police.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

The churchmen who met members of the IRA at Feakle and subsequently called on me did not consult the Government before their talks with members of the Provisional IRA. After the Feakle meeting, the churchmen told me of the views of the Provisional IRA, which were on familiar lines.

Mr. Ross

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the concern of the people of Northern Ireland at reports that they did consult the Government, and is he aware of the hope of those people that he will continue to act only on grounds of security in these matters?

Mr. Rees

If that is what the reports said they were wrong. While I am very keen on my responsibilities for security and my work with the RUC and the Army, I do not find it odd that churchmen are prepared to stand up for peace, since that is what we should expect. As I said in my statement, all that I said at the meeting is what I have said consistently—that if there is a sustained cessation of violence we can end detention and I can remove the Army, in the large strength that it now is in Northern Ireland, back to barracks. That is the best way to proceed.

Mr. Clemitson

Will my right hon. Friend convey the thanks of what I believe to be many hon. Members to the churchmen who have taken the recent initiatives in Northern Ireland? Does he agree that they have been acting in the highest traditions of the Christian Church by reconciling people?

Mr. Rees

In view of my hon. Friend's background, I know that when he uses the word "reconciling" he uses it in the best sense. The Feakle churchmen, undoubtedly, will be seen historically to have been one factor in the events of recent weeks, but what has mattered far more than them and me and all the other people who play a part on the political stage is the strong feeling in both parts of the community that they want a genuine peace, and not something that teeters on from day to day.