§ 1. Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on how many days the Chief Constable of Northern Ireland has been out of Northern Ireland on official business from October 1982 to October 1983; for what purposes; and how these absences compare with each previous year since his appointment.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr. Nicholas Scott)The number of occasions on which the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary is out of Northern Ireland on official business, and the reasons for his absence, are matters for the Chief Constable himself and the Police Authority for Northern Ireland. I understand, however, that from 1 October 1982 to 7 October 1983 the Chief Constable undertook 16 duty engagements outside Northern Ireland, involving a total absence of 43 days.
In the two preceding 12-month periods, the comparable figures were 30 days and 31 days respectively.
§ Rev. Ian PaisleyDoes the hon. Gentleman agree that in the year during which the Chief Constable was absent for that period many of his officers were murdered, many of the officers of the Royal Ulster Constabulary Reserve were murdered, many civilians were murdered and many members of the Ulster Defence Regiment were murdered? He was out of the country for more than a month in a 448 period of 12 months. What duties was he carrying out? Was the Police Authority responsible for his transport, for his hotel bills and for his air fare while he was absent?
§ Mr. ScottThe Chief Constable was out of the country on official business. He had the permission of the Police Authority, and it would have covered his expenses. think that it is very much to the credit of the Royal Ulster Constabulary that it has as Chief Constable a man who is in great demand to represent the force internationally. The work that he does in liaison with other police forces contributes significantly to the battle against terrorism in the Province.
Mr. John David TaylorAs it has been reported in the press that the Chief Commissioner of the Garda Siochana is hesitant about meeting the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, can the Minister confirm that this means that the Chief Constable will be out of Northern Ireland for fewer days next year? Will he comment on that report?
§ Mr. ScottI think that Northern Ireland is immensely fortunate to have a man of such integrity as the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary dedicating his energies and skills to the battle against terrorism. All I can say on the point that the right hon. Gentleman mentioned is that co-operation between the Garda Siochana and the Royal Ulster Constabulary has never been better.