HC Deb 20 November 1979 vol 976 cc857-60
10. Mr. Bradford

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will pursue the issue of extradition with the Government of the Republic of Ireland as one of the methods of improving security in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Humphrey Atkins

We are determined that those who commit terrorist crimes in Northern Ireland and then flee to the Republic should be brought to justice. Since extradition procedures have proved ineffective in such cases, for reasons that I explained to the House on 25 October, I have agreed with Irish Ministers that it is important to make greater use of the extra-territorial legislation in both countries.

Mr. Bradford

Is the Secretary of State aware that the extra-territorial jurisdiction legislation is of no use in dealing with border security? Will he press the new Taoiseach to treat extradition seriously? Does he accept that few Southern politicians believe that the opposition to extradition can be upheld on the basis of a constitutional argument?

Mr. Atkins

I take note of the hon. Gentleman's remark about the attitude of Southern politicians. Her Majesty's Government have made it clear to the Government of the Republic, and will do so again, that in their view extradition is the best answer. We operate it and we hope that they will do the same.

Rev. Ian Paisley

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that the extra-territorial jurisdiction legislation is a sorry remnant of the ill-fated Sunningdale agreement? Will he consider extradition with a view to ensuring that those who commit crimes in Northern Ireland are brought to Northern Ireland, placed before the courts, and sentenced?

Mr. Atkins

The hon. Gentleman refers to the extra-territorial legislation as a sorry remnant. That is a reference to something that has gone by. I remind him that the Government of the Republic have recently signed the European convention on the suppression of terrorism. That does not take us very far forward, because the convention is much the same as the extra-territorial legislation. However, I suggest that that act on the part of the Republic should be regarded as evidence that the Government of the Republic will use the extra-territorial legislation.

Mr. Fitt

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that the extra-territorial legislation was freely entered into by the British Government and the Government of the Irish Republic, who are failing to implement that legislation? Is it not a fact that the security forces in Northern Ireland have not attempted to get the legislation implemented, and that, without their co-operation, or their requests for its use, it is impossible for the Government of the Republic of Ireland to take any action?

Mr. Atkins

It is largely a matter of evidence. Since 1971–75 arrest warrants for persons suspected of terrorist offences have been sent to the Republic. It is not always easy to obtain the necessary evidence. It is not a lack of will on the part of the authorities in the United Kingdom that prevents the legislation being used. Requests are currently being considered.

Mr. Stanbrook

Is my right hon. Friend aware that he is incorrect in saying that the Republic has signed the European convention on the suppression of terrorism? Is it not a fact that, at the end of the Dublin summit, a protocol was signed which had the effect of applying the extra-territorial legislation to the Republic and to the members of the Community? It added nothing to relations between the United Kingdom and the Republic. Is it not the case that no improvement can be made until the Republic accedes to the convention?

Mr. Atkins

My understanding is that the Government of the Republic have signed an agreement on the application of the European convention on the suppression of terrorism. I understand that that agreement does not come into force until three months after all member States have ratified it. I do not think that they have done that yet, so I cannot say when it will start.

Mr. John

What practical effect will the signing of a protocol have?

Mr. Atkins

Not very much. It merely confirms the arrangements that the Republic entered into with us over the extra- territorial legislation. I mentioned that the Government of the Republic signed and agreed the document because the hon. Member for Antrim, North (Rev. Ian Paisley) indicated that the extra-territorial legislation was—he did not say that it was a dead duck, but that is what he meant—ahangover from something that he did not like very much. I suggest that the evidence that the Government of the Republic have recently signed an agreement is an indication that they will do that which the discussions that we have had with them indicate they wish to do.