HC Deb 19 February 1976 vol 905 cc1475-7
15. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons are in prison in the Province for terrorist offences.

Mr. Concannon

On 15th February 1976, there were 2,225 convicted prisoners in Northern Ireland. Of these, 1,494 were special category prisoners, all of whom had been sentenced for crimes connected with the civil disturbances. As it is not always possible to discover the motive for a crime, I am unable to give more precise figures.

Mr. McNair-Wilson

Will the Minister say whether he is satisfied with the provision of prison accommodation in the Province in view of the increasing terrorism? Will he say when special category status is likely to be phased out?

Mr. Concannon

This matter was explained only recently by my right hon. Friend. The debate now appears in Hansard, in the edition of Tuesday 17th February. I visited the new prisons and the new cell blocks only yesterday, and I am satisfied that they will be able to operate.

Mr. Neave

In addition to the figures for the prison population which the Minister has announced, will he publish the total annual convictions for terrorist offences as often as he can? It is very important that we should know the figures, and we do not yet have them.

To revert to the question of special category status and the possibility of further terrorism in Northern Ireland, will the hon. Gentleman remember the answer given by his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to the right hon. Member for Down South (Mr. Powell) about the report into Today's Press alleging talks between his officials and the Provisional Sinn Fein? Does he know whether his right hon. Friend's categorical denial applies to the report in the Daily Telegraph that Foreign Office officials have been imported for this purpose?

Mr. Concannon

I think that my hon. Friend denied that suggestion a few moments ago. The rest of the hon. Gentleman's question does not apply to the main Question.

Mr. Neave

My question was whether Foreign Office officials have been imported for this purpose as distinct from Northern Ireland officials.

Mr. Concannon

I think that my right hon. Friend dealt with the matter when he said that the two Press reports were specifically untrue.

Mr. Cryer

Will my hon. Friend confirm that the ending of detention without trial has been widely welcomed, and that the conviction of people for terrorist offences through the courts is the only proper course to take? Will he confirm that the potential for peace exists in a troubled area of the United Kingdom such as Northern Ireland only if justice is available to all?

Mr. Concannon

I think I shall give my hon. Friend three "Yeses" as to that.