§ 42. Mr. Cryerasked the Attorney-General how many people were convicted for terrorist offences during 1974 and 1975.
§ The Attorney-General (Mr. S. C. Silkin)I understand the Question to refer to Northern Ireland. During the year 1974, 1,073 persons either pleaded guilty or were convicted on indictment in respect of scheduled offences. During the year 1975 the corresponding figure was 1,090.
§ Mr. CryerDoes my right hon. and learned Friend accept that the ending of detention without trial has not resulted in a diminution of prosecution of offenders? Will he ensure that offenders are prosecuted with vigour? Will he at 24 the same time convey to his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland the view that this country and the present Government, having courageously ended detention without trial, can reasonably expect some sort of response from the sectarian organisations that indulge in terrorist activities? Will he make that plain?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI am grateful for both parts of my hon. Friend's Question. Certainly my right hon. Friend will take note of, and I am sure agree with, the second part. Certainly the prosecution process has been carried on with great force and vigour and has been extremely successful.
§ Mr. LawrenceIn the light of the statements of two identifiable people in the national Press in December—to the effect that money was still being collected in public houses in London on behalf of the IRA—will the Attorney-General say why no charges have been preferred under Section 1 of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1974? Will the Attorney-General also tell the House what is being done now to make sure that those collections cease?
§ The Attorney-GeneralAs the hon. Gentleman knows, that is a matter for the police and, accordingly, for my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary. I have no knowledge of any evidence that supports what the hon. Gentleman said. I am not responsible for what the newspapers say.