HC Deb 10 July 1980 vol 988 cc732-3
2. Mr. Marlow

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will undertake a review of current policy, with a view to bringing forward new measures to damage the aspirations, morale and effectiveness of the IRA.

Mr. Humphrey Atkins

I am confident that the guiding principle of our security policy—the elimination of terrorism by the arrest, charging and conviction in the courts of those who perpetrate terrorist crimes—is sound. The ways in which the policy is implemented are constantly monitored by the Government, by the RUC and by the Army, and new measures are introduced from time to time. The advice of the security co-ordinator and his planning staff has contributed notably to this process.

Mr. Marlow

Does my right hon. Friend agree that the most effective way of damaging the aspirations, morale and effectiveness of the IRA is to put beyond a shadow of doubt that Northern Ireland will always remain an integral part of the United Kingdom? Will the proposals which the Secretary of State put before the House yesterday help to convince it of that?

Mr. Atkins

I do not think that there is any doubt about the will of the House and of the majority of the people of Northern Ireland that the Province will remain part of the United Kingdom. That is beyond question. Another way of damaging the morale of the IRA is to arrest its members and convict them in the courts.

Mr. J. Enoch Powell

Does the Secretary of State understand that the most effective way in which this House can give expression to the will which he has just mentioned is to ensure that Northern Ireland and its people are treated in every respect as they claim and are claimed to be—an integral part of the United Kingdom?

Mr. Atkins

The future arrangements for the government of Northern Ireland were discussed yesterday. I was looking forward to the right hon. Gentleman's contribution, but I missed it.

Rev. Ian Paisley

Does not the right hon. Gentleman admit that the morale of the IRA would be seriously damaged if the Government could persuade the American Government to supply arms to the Royal Ulster Constabulary? Will the Secretary of State remember that the men whom he has just praised are the men who are holding up the supply of those arms?

Mr. Atkins

Yes, Sir. Our request to the American Government for licences is still in and I very much hope that the American Administration will accede to it as soon as may be.