HC Deb 19 February 1976 vol 905 cc1470-1
10. Mr. Peter Morrison

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he is satisfied with the security arrangements in Fermanagh.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

I am satisfied that security arrangements in Fermanagh are appropriate to the level of violence prevailing there.

Mr. Morrison

Does the Secretary of State agree that were it not for the rôle of the UDR in Fermanagh the security arrangements would not be so good? Will he publicly acknowledge the hard work of its members in this area, in relation to maintaining law and order?

Mr. Rees

The UDR is part of the Armed Forces of the Crown. Its members do an excellent job, and in the rural areas they are of extra value because of their knowledge of those areas. When I was out with them the other evening, I praised them, as I always do in Northern Ireland, because they need that. The Regular Army, under the brigade command, also deploys its forces in the right area. In terms of a document I received—it was brought to the Castle yesterday—which did not criticise me but criticised the incompetence of the British Army, I can only say that I resent that as much I resent any criticism of the UDR.

Mr. Goodhart

In the Government's view, does the cease-fire still exist in Fermanagh or anywhere else in Northern Ireland? Are there any special cease-fire inhibitions still limiting the rôle and tactics of the forces in Fermanagh or anywhere else in Northern Ireland?

Mr. Rees

The cease-fire was a matter for the IRA and not for us. The GOC is not inhibited in any way in dealing with the violence in Northern Ireland, from whatever direction it comes or might come.

Mr. Carson

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that the areas in Belfast in which the UDR can operate are very limited?

Mr. Rees

The GOC has the right to deploy his forces where he wills, but it would be wrong to deploy the UDR in some Catholic areas, because of the sectarian break-down of the UDR. That is not criticism of the UDR; it is a fact that people of the minority community do not join the UDR. One of the benefits that would come from a political get-together in Northern Ireland would be that many more of the minority community would join the security forces.