HC Deb 26 July 1984 vol 64 cc1223-4
5. Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the present security situation in Northern Ireland.

18. Mr. Peter Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the security situation in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Prior

Since I last answered questions on 28 June there have been four deaths in incidents arising from the security situation in the Province. Two of those killed were civilians and two were part-time members of the Ulster Defence Regiment.

The skill and professionalism of the security forces has led, so far this year, to 324 people being charged with serious offences, including 34 with murder and 38 with attempted murder. In the same period, 126 weapons, 21,349 rounds of ammunition and 10,946lb. of explosives have been recovered.

Mr. Proctor

As one who has not always seen eye to eye in every detail with my right hon. Friend, may I ask whether he is aware of the wide support for the personal courage and determination which has typified and characterised his stewardship of Northern Ireland?

Will my right hon. Friend examine security and deployment in Castlederg in the west part of Tyrone, and raise that to the same level as currently exists in south Fermanagh?

Mr. Prior

On the latter point, we have obviously been very worried by recent events in the Castlederg area. I have had private talks with the Member of Parliament for the area, and drawn the matter very much to the attention of the Chief Constable and the GOC.

As for my hon. Friend's earlier remarks, I am quite embarrassed by the nice things that people say once they know that I am going.

Mr. Robinson

Does the Secretary of State agree that July and August have traditionally been sensitive months for security in the Province, and no time more so than the month of August at about the anniversary of internment? Does the right hon. Gentleman recall that in August 1983 a number of terrorist activities were staged to impress visitors from the Noraid organisation? Is he aware that that same delegation intends to return this August? If so, will he take steps to ensure that those of its members who engaged in terrorist activities on the last occasion and the publicity director of the IRA in America, Mr. Martin Galvin, are excluded from Northern Ireland?

Mr. Prior

I am well aware of what happened last August. I should like to make it plain that this group is not welcome in Northern Ireland. I have already been in touch with my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary about certain individuals.

Mr. William Ross

Has the Secretary of State noticed that in recent weeks in a number of areas there have been provocations by Republican groups trying to create a reaction, which in some cases unfortunately occurred? Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the normal antiterrorist activity is insufficient to deal with such incidents and that the police need to put their minds to methods of combating low-level street activity?

Mr. Prior

I am aware of certain incidents which the hon. Gentleman has mentioned. I am also aware of other provocative incidents which were committed by people from the other side of the community. I deplore all such incidents, from wherever they come.

Mr. Beggs

Will the Secretary of State confirm that the largest demonstrations held for 12 months in Northern Ireland went off peacefully, and for that reason no comment was made by the BBC to inform people throughout the United Kingdom?

Mr. Prior

Yes, I think it can be said that this summer there have been a number of marches of the traditional type which have gone off absolutely peacefully. That is a great credit to everyone in Northern Ireland. Furthermore, I believe that the Province is now.more stable. I think most people feel that there is a great deal more stability now than there has been for some years. I hope that that can be used as a basis for making some advances.

Mr. Onslow

Going back to what my right hon. Friend said earlier, I hope that he will not be too embarrassed if I say that a number of hon. Members in the House are prepared to say nice things about him, whether he is going or not.

Mr. Prior

That is a change.

Mr. Archer

Does the Secretary of State agree that security is best protected by attracting the support of the whole community for the agencies of law and order and that that entails maintaining manifest fairness? Will he tell the House when we may expect a debate on the Baker report?

Mr. Prior

I expect that this item will come up for debate soon after we return. This is a matter for the Leader of the House, but I believe that that is the understanding.