HC Deb 10 July 1980 vol 988 cc731-2
1. Mr. Aitken

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is his estimate of the amount of funds reaching the IRA from sources in the United States of America during the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr. Humphrey Atkins)

It is not possible to give an accurate estimate of how much money has reached the IRA from United States sources in the last year. The United States authorities and leading Irish-Americans have consistently condemned the raising of funds for the IRA, and the activities of organisations such as the Irish Northern Aid Committee. Currently the main source of IRA funds is undoubtedly local profit from crime, particularly bank robberies.

Mr. Aitken

Does my right hon. Friend agree that, possibly as a result of talks with him, certain senior political figures in the United States such as Governor Carey, Senator Kennedy and Speaker Tip O'Neill have exercised a useful restraining influence? Nevertheless, can my right hon. Friend assure the House that he is taking more steps to restrain fund raising, particularly by that infamous organisation NORAID?

Mr. Atkins

The gentlemen mentioned by my hon. Friend have undoubtedly been helpful. The authorities in the United States have prosecuted NORAID officials on a number of occasions for the illegal exportation of weapons. Currently they are taking action under an Act to ensure that NORAID is registered as the agent of the Provisional IRA. All that is helpful in bringing to the notice of the American people the activities of that organisation.