HC Deb 27 March 1986 vol 94 cc1061-2
10. Mr. Maclennan

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

Mr. Tom King

Since I last answered questions in the House on 27 February, two members of the security forces and one civilian have died in incidents arising from the security situation in the Province. I am sure the whole House will join me in condemning these murders. In addition, more than 100 members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the Army have been injured, many of the former duing the shameful events of 3 March.

Since the beginning of the year a total of 55 people have been charged with serious offences, 52 weapons, 2,700 rounds of ammunition and 1,100 lb of explosives have been recovered.

Mr. Maclennan

That is a sombre report. Has the Secretary of State spoken to the GOC about the use of mortar bombs in the attempted attack on the UDR base at Kilkeel on 15 March, and can he make a statement about that?

Mr. King

I have spoken to the GOC about that matter. The mortar attacks have posed a serious threat. The security forces have been anxious to take the most positive steps to ensure proper protection, especially of police stations, which have been subject to attack, and to try to counter that most unattractive technique.

Mr. Peter Bruinvels

While I regret the large number of members of the RUC who have been killed over the 50-odd years of problems in Northern Ireland, may I ask my right hon. Friend to accept that the members of the RUC themselves to not wish to be armed, that they feel that because they are armed they are natural targets, and that, further, they feel that they are not totally protected by the rest of the security forces?

Mr. King

That would be the long-term aim, but I, do not think that it is a practical possibility at present.

Mr. J. Enoch Powell

Will the right hon. Gentleman try to come to an understanding that, whatever happens over Easter and in the weeks beyond, the ultimate responsibility will lie, as ever, with the ambiguities and insincerities of the policy of successive British Governments towards Northern Ireland and its people?

Mr. King

We all have a responsibility at present, not to anticipate trouble, but to seek in every way we can to discourage any such trouble from taking place. I hope that I can look to the right hon. Gentleman, in his position as a Member of this House, to join with all hon. Members in saying that the right way to resolve the difficulties, ambiguities or uncertainties is by discussion and consultation, and that at no time can there be a case for violence and confrontation.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

Is not the security position in Northern Ireland aggravated by payments to the IRA under kidnap insurance arrangements? Why is it that the Government repeatedly ask me to produce evidence when they know that those policies are being sold, when that is common knowledge in the City, and when it amounts to £400 million worth of business every year? Why do the Government not investigate those matters, which they know are illegal under section 10 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act 1976? Why do they insist on turning a blind eye? Is it that they do not want to do anything about the matter?

Mr. King

Nobody could accuse the Government of not wishing to take every possible step to fight terrorism. As the hon. Gentleman has been told, we are seeking to take every step that we can, but if he has evidence that is not available to us, he should produce it.

Mr. Mallon

Will the Secretary of State confirm that probably one of the most serious security issues at present and for the next few months will be the marches that will take place? Will he confirm that the march which is organised by so-called Loyalists in Portadown for next Monday is nothing more than a coat-trailing exercise in triumphalism, geared to exacerbate sectarian feelings and to promote the type of sectarian strife that we saw last July?

Mr. King

I recognise the tradition of marching that exists in Northern Ireland and the more recent attempts to turn them into deliberately provocative incidents. I hope that all who care about law and order in the Province will recognise the present peculiarly sensitive atmosphere and the risks of such provocation and that all responsible people in the Province will recognise the need to avoid such provocation. I am confident that the RUC will be anxious in its responsibilities, which are clear, and the Chief Constable in his operational responsibility to protect innocent people from such provocation.