HC Deb 15 May 1975 vol 892 cc644-5
16. Mr. Carson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many prisoners have been accepted back to Northern Ireland on transfer from England and Scotland since 1st January 1975.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Six, Sir.

Mr. Carson

Is the Secretary of State aware that when the London car bombers who were sentenced to life imprisonment were returned to Northern Ireland the Loyalist population felt frustrated and annoyed that Loyalists who are imprisoned in Scotland and England had made several requests to be transferred to Northern Ireland but had been refused? Is the Secretary of State also aware that the Loyalist population feel that the reason for this is that it might be an infringement of an agreement with the Secretary of State or his civil servants to transfer Loyalist prisoners to Northern Ireland? Does he not think that the time has come for the return of Loyalist prisoners to Northern Ireland?

Mr. Rees

I know that the hon. Gentleman is closely involved in this matter, but each case has to be treated on its merits. One thing is certain: that demonstrations and the bringing of pressure to bear on me or on one or other of my right hon. and hon. Friends will not work. Each transfer has to be taken on its individual merits. I am extremely grateful to the hon. Member for Armagh (Mr. McCusker), who has presented his case on this subject so reasonably.