§ 7. Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent discussions he has had on the fundraising activities of Noraid; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr. Nicholas Scott)The Government are concerned about any form of support that may be given to terrorist organisations, and my right hon. Friend spoke to the American ambassador about these matters recently. The Government are grateful for the recent forthright condemnation of terrorism in Northern Ireland by President Reagan.
§ Mr. AdleyAs the Under-Secretary has apparently arranged for Senator Gary Hart to visit this country shortly, where he will, of course, be welcome, would my hon. Friend consider it appropriate, in view of the temptation for presidential candidates to pander to ethnic minorities during presidential election year, to suggest not only to Senator Hart but to all of them that they have no more business meddling in the internal affairs of Northern Ireland than we have, shall we say, meddling in the internal affairs of Puerto Rico?
§ Mr. ScottI think that my hon. Friend may have somewhat exaggerated my influence over some of these matters. When political leaders from any part of the world come to this country we take every opportunity to explain to them the facts of life about Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. McQuarrieMy hon. Friend will have noted that Dr. FitzGerald had the courage to go on American 1168 television to condemn those who subscribe to Noraid for the purchase of arms to be used against our people in Northern Ireland. I am sure my hon. Friend will advocate the congratulations of the House for the courage of Dr. FitzGerald in that respect.
§ Mr. ScottThere is nothing new about Dr. FitzGerald expressing his revulsion, as he described it, at the activities of the IRA and those who, by any means, lend it support. We are grateful for this most recent example of that expression.