HC Deb 26 April 1984 vol 58 c872
9. Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what arrangements he intends to make for impending visits to the Province of United States of America presidential candidates; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Scott

I am not aware that any such visits are planned.

Mr. Adley

That is a slightly different answer from the one that I received in the previous Northern Ireland Question Time. Does my hon. Friend agree that the scramble for the ethnic vote in the United States presidential elections is unattractive and potentially dangerous? Will he see whether anything can be done to bring that view to the attention of various candidates to stop them constantly appealing for Irish votes in the United States by making promises that can only encourage the IRA and its supporters?

Mr. Scott

Our diplomatic posts and the British information services spend a great deal of time making American public opinion aware of the realities of life in Northern Ireland. Their services are available to any presidential candidate who wishes to raise his level of understanding of the problem.

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