HC Deb 10 February 1983 vol 36 cc1127-8
1. Mr. Marlow

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will introduce measures to strengthen the links between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr. James Prior)

As a constituent part of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland's links with Great Britain are already strong and close.

Mr. Marlow

In view of the massive effort that the United Kingdom made to secure the position of fewer than 2,000 British citizens some 8,000 miles away, is not anyone who still believes in a united Ireland living in a dream world, the only outcome of which can be tragedy and nightmare? Will my right hon. Friend advise such people that the best thing that they can dc in the circumstances is to make the best of the fact that Northern Ireland is and will remain part of the United Kingdom indefinitely?

Mr. Canavan

The hon. Gentleman is helping the terrorists.

Mr. Prior

I cannot stop anyone living in a dream world, but all the people of Northern Ireland would do best to take part in the constitutional government of Northern Ireland.