§ 16. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to encourage the co-operation of the whole community in the law enforcement activities of the Royal Ulster Constabulary.
§ Mr. DunnThe development of the schemes for local police centres and district liaison committees, together with the continuing work of the part-time Reserve, illustrate the importance that we attach to local involvement in policing and public identification with the police. These initiatives are complemented by publicity campaigns designed to encourage the support and co-operation of the public.
§ Mr. McNair-WilsonDoes the Minister agree that the peace movement has given the Government a new initiative to gain community support? What effective and sustained policing is now taking place in minority urban areas? What attempts are being made to increase recruiting to the Royal Ulster Constabulary from those areas? Has the hon. Gentleman given any thought to local community assistance to the police in those areas?
§ Mr. DunnThe hon. Gentleman asks for specific figures about recruitment. Perhaps he will forgive me if I ask that he gives notice of this request. I should prefer to give precise figures rather than to make estimates or give approximate figures.
The work of the Royal Ulster Constabulary in community relations, and the influence of the peace movement, including their impact on the minority community, have considerably lessened tensions in areas which previously caused us concern. The constabulary itself recognises no area where it cannot go, but there are realistic problems that must never be ignored. We are making serious attempts to assist the police in the full discharge of their duties in these areas. There are complex problems, as the hon. Gentleman will be aware. His supplementary question went little further than the Question on the Order Paper.