§ 8. Mr. Robert Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to publicise the effects of terrorism within the Province.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr. Nicholas Scott)The Government make every effort to bring home to people the appalling personal and economic tragedies caused by terrorist activities and to make it absolutely clear that those who use violence in pursuit of their political aims will not achieve those aims.
§ Mr. AtkinsIs my hon. Friend aware of the congratulations and warm response being given to the film that has been produced by his Department, which is perhaps a little overdue, but is none the less welcome in the attempts that it makes to convey the revulsion and disgust felt by many people in the face of terrorism? Will he continue to build on the attempts already being made in the United States to convey to the people in that country 1080 the effects of the fund-raising by Noraid? Will he continue to press strongly his Department's case, in the face of the activities of these terrorist groups?
§ Mr. ScottI am grateful to my hon. Friend for his comments about the film. If other hon. Members would like to see it, I can make arrangements for that. I shall draw the attention of the Central Office of Information to my hon. Friend's remarks. In co-operation with my noble Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs we have recently been reviewing the arrangements for presenting our case in the United States and elsewhere. We shall pursue that presentation with vigour.
§ Mr. Rhodes JamesIs my hon. Friend aware that one of the best ways to counteract terrorism and the difficulties in the Province in the long term is by the extension of education, particularly higher education? Will he accept that the decision of the Government two days ago relating to the new Ulster university represents a considerable step forward and should receive the support not only of the House but of all who are genuinely concerned about the future of Northern Ireland?
§ Mr. ScottI am grateful to my hon. Friend for his remarks. I am not sure how they arise out of the main question, but that does not diminish my gratitude. That new institution can make a substantial contribution to the future of education in the Province.
§ Mr. KilfedderWill the Government extend an invitation to President Reagan—who has shown such good common sense in rebuffing IRA sympathisers in the United States—to visit Northern Ireland in June, where he would be heartily welcomed, so that he can see at first hand the agony that the Ulster people have suffered for more than 13 years as a result of the murder and mutilation caused by the Provisional IRA, which has received so much financial and propaganda support in the United States?
§ Mr. ScottWe have a continuous stream of visitors, journalistic and otherwise, from the United States to the Province. There is a high level of diplomatic representation there. I am sure that President Reagan is kept fully in touch with the developments. We are all grateful for the remarks that he made in his St. Patrick's Day speech.