Security (Hansard, 25 February 1982)

§ 16. Mr. Molyneaux
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will make a statement on the security situation in Northern Ireland.

§ Mr. Prior
Since I last answered questions on 28 January two civilians have died in incidents relevant to this question. In one of them a young man died in a car joyriding incident, and in this case a soldier was seriously injured by the car. The other person who died, Mr. McKeague, was shot dead in his shop. The Irish National Liberation Army has claimed responsibility. A number of people have also been injured, several of them as a result of so-called punishment shootings by terrorist organisations. There were 17 terrorist bombing incidents, two of which caused widespread damage to two hotels. The House will also be aware that the collier "St. Bedan" was boarded and sunk by armed men in Lough Foyle on the night of 22 February. The Provisional IRA has since claimed responsibility.
In the same period the security forces neutralised 12 bombs and seized 43 weapons, and they have continued to make a large number of arrests and charges. Since 28 January, 85 terrorists have been charged, including seven with murder and 26 with attempted murder. The security forces are to be congratulated on their good work. Terrorists still pose a serious threat, but the security forces will keep up their efforts and, with the help of the people of Northern Ireland, I am confident that they will continue to make progress.

§ Mr. Molyneaux
Is the Secretary of State aware that there has been a restoration of confidence in the border region of Fermanagh and County Tyrone resulting mainly from the vigilance of the troops in forward positions on the frontier? Will he convey our congratulations and appreciation to the security forces, and will he encourage them to maintain their present high level of activity?

§ Mr. Prior
I am grateful for what the hon. Gentleman says and I shall convey that message. However, I do not wish anyone in the House or elsewhere to think that the struggle and the problems are over, because they are very real. We must have increased and eternal vigilance from the whole population if we are to keep on top of the position.

§ Mr. Kilfedder
Is the Secretary of State aware of the warning given yesterday by the RUC that the IRA is about to launch a new campaign of murder? Instead of waiting until an atrocity is committed, will the Secretary of State ensure that enough troops are brought into the Province now, including members of the SAS, to contend with such a threat from the evil men of the Provisional IRA?

§ Mr. Prior
The SAS is presently in Northern Ireland. If the GOC believes that he needs extra troops he has only to ask for them. However, the increasing strength of the RUC, the ability of the intelligence forces to gain information and the willingness of the public to co-operate with the police is perhaps the best defence against what is happening.