HC Deb 08 May 1975 vol 891 cc1592-3
5. Mr. Canavan

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied with measures being taken to combat political violence at public meetings and the activities of terrorist groups.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

Responsibility for maintaining public order rests with the police. A wide range of measures against terrorism has been taken, and they are kept under continual review.

Mr. Canavan

Will my right hon. Friend consider conducting an investigation into the activities of the Army of the Provisional Government of Scotland, which is alleged to be operating in various parts of the United Kingdom, including my constituency? Because a growing number of people are afraid that this unacceptable face of nationalism could trigger off another Northern-Ireland-type situation, will my right hon. Friend also inquire what relationship may exist between that organisation, the Provisional IRA and the Scottish National Party?

Mr. Jenkins

I take note of what my hon. Friend has said, as the House will have done. As there is a trial taking place in Glasgow—a trial which is fairly close to the points my hon. Friend has raised—it would be inappropriate for me to say anything which might prejudice that trial, apart from the fact that those points are probably primarily, but I would not suggest exclusively, for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland. However, I take full note of what my hon. Friend said.

Mr. Donald Stewart

I congratulate the right hon. Gentleman on at least withholding judgment on something that is sub judice.Will he accept that the Scottish National Party has always deprecated violence, and, particularly at a time when we are achieving our aims rapidly through the democratic means of the ballot box, that we certainly have no intention or desire for any of those activities?

Mr. Jenkins

I am glad, as the House will be, to notice the hon. Gentleman's disavowal of support for violence of any sort.