HC Deb 20 March 1979 vol 964 cc1283-4
2. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the work of the Armed Forces in support of the civil power in Northern Ireland.

The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Army (Mr. Robert C. Brown)

The Armed Forces' operations in support of the Royal Ulster Constabulary continue to meet with success. The security forces have the ability to respond promptly and firmly to changes in the terrorist threat and their operations are contributing to the return to normality in the Province. A recent success was the joint RUC-Army operation in which more than 40 explosive devices were recovered from a house in Belfast.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Does not the mortar attack on Newtownhamilton suggest that, although there has been an improvement in police co-operation across the border, there is need for improved liaison between the security forces of the Republic and the kingdom generally? Can the Minister give any information about the type and origin of the mortars used?

Mr. Brown

Naturally, the Army seeks to ensure the safety of its bases at all times. Operations are mounted to this end, but it would not be in the interests of security to go into more detail at this stage. I am satisfied that we are doing all that we reasonably can to protect our bases from terrorist attack. I am sure that the House will share by revulsion at this attack, as well as my sympathy with those involved and their relatives. Cross-border co-operation at the present time is better than it has ever been.

Mr. Powell

Will the Minister, in conjunction with his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, do all in his power to rebut unfounded smears and allegations against the Armed Forces in Northern Ireland, whether those are made inside or outside this House?

Mr. Brown

Yes. Some of the more or less slanderous allegations that have been made against the security forces in recent times are most unfortunate.

Mr. Goodhart

I join the right hon. Member for Down, South (Mr. Powell) in hoping that the smears against the Armed Forces will now stop, but is not my hon. Friend the Member for Epping Forest (Mr. Biggs-Davison) right in suggesting that co-operation between our Army in Northern Ireland and the regular forces of the Republic is at a very low state indeed? Is there not room for substantial ministerial action to put this right? Is there any prospect of increased co-operation in the months to come?

Mr. Brown

As I have said, close links have been established between the police forces on both sides of the border to enable all elements of the security forces to act in concert. This works well. I understand that army-to-army contact is unacceptable to the Irish authorities. In the first place, the roles of the armies are not the same. However, in general, cross-border security co-operation has improved very greatly.