HC Deb 12 June 1980 vol 986 cc774-5
1. Mr. Farr

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he is satisfied that a satisfactory level of cooperation in cross-border security is being maintained.

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

I am satisfied that co-operation between the security forces in Northern Ireland and those in the Republic has become more effective during the past year, with significant results. I am determined that the impetus should be maintained.

Mr. Farr

To what extent is that cooperation being threatened by lack of liaison between the police and Army authorities in Belfast? What new instructions in that regard will be given to the successor of the retiring security coordinator, Sir Maurice Oldfield?

Mr. Atkins

Co-operation between the RUC and the Army has reached a high level, and I am entirely satisfied with it.

Mr. McCusker

Is the Secretary of State aware that a further car bomb exploded in Market Hill in the southern part of my constituency only two hours ago? Will the right hon. Gentleman accept that that bomb was probably manufactured in the Irish Republic? Bearing in mind that bomb incident and the major gun battles on the frontiers of South Armagh in the past few weeks, how can the right hon. Gentleman continue mouthing platitudes about increased co-operation?

Mr. Atkins

I am aware of the car bomb that exploded in the hon. Gentleman's constituency about three-quarters of an hour ago, although I do not have precise details of the damage caused. I was asked whether co-operation between the security forces north and south of the border is at a satisfactory level. I believe that I am right in saying that it is much more effective than it was. It can never be said to be completely effective until the terrorist activities have been suppressed.

Mr. Kilfedder

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that terrorist activities will never be suppressed until we have full co-operation from the Irish Republic? No doubt the Secretary of State is satisfied, in his ivory tower at Hillsborough Castle or Stormont Castle, but will he accept that many ordinary soldiers and policemen are. far from satisfied that the Government are taking appropriate steps to rout out the terrorists operating from the Irish Republic?

Mr. Atkins

That is not what the security forces tell me. They say that co-operation between the two security forces is at a higher level than they have ever known. They believe, as I believe, that progressively the evil of terrorism will be suppressed.

Mr. Peter Robinson

Will the right hon. Gentleman take it from me that, although he may be satisfied with bordei security and co-operation with the Irish Republic, the widows of county Fermanagh and the other border counties are not? Would not his time be better employed sealing the border effectively so that the IRA cannot cross at will?

Mr. Atkins

No, Sir.

Mr. John

Can the Secretary of State indicate what proportion of recent incidents relate to cross-border activities? Does he agree that, instead of hon. Members indulging in generalised attacks on the Government of the Republic, they should bring forward specific instances of lack of co-operation if that is what they want rectified?

Mr. Atkins

I agree with the latter part of the hon. Gentleman's question. On the earlier part, I cannot give him a figure on the proportion of recent incidents, but there is no doubt that attacks continue to be mounted across the border and I am convinced that it is by the two security forces, North and South, working together that that can best be prevented.