HC Deb 27 November 1986 vol 106 cc420-1
7. Mr. Soley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans exist for changes in the administration of justice in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (Mr. Nicholas Scott)

A number of changes in the system have been implemented in the last year or so, including the introduction of measures to eliminate avoidable delays between first remand and trial and the making of an order to increase the Attorney-General's discretion to certify that in particular cases scheduled offences should be tried before juries.

The Government have also announced their intention to introduce legislation in the current parliamentary Session to amend the emergency legislation which applies to Northern Ireland. I am fully seized of the importance of public confidence in the administration of justice, and this is a matter that we keep under constant review.

Mr. Soley

Does the Minister agree that there is something to be said for accepting Sir George Baker's recommendations on restoration of trial by jury, which do not go much further than we have gone already? Is he aware that it would be welcome if he went at least that far, or even, in my view, rather further? Will he also give a commitment that the supergrass trial system will be stopped in the near future, as it is undermining confidence in both the Republican and the Unionist community?

Mr. Scott

Bearing in mind the situation in Northern Ireland, it is important that the Government should seek continuously to ensure that the changes that are necessary in the Province to deal with the administration of justice vary as little as possible from the system in Great Britain. When our Bill on the emergency legislation is introduced, the hon. Gentleman will see that we are going a little further in that direction, and we are continually looking for further improvements.

Mr. Cash

Does my hon. Friend agree that recent calls for changes in the nature of the Northern Ireland judiciary have been misguided? Does he agree that it is essential to maitain the Diplock system and that we should pay tribute to the judges in every court in Northern Ireland for the impartial way in which they administer justice in the most difficult circumstances imaginable?

Mr. Scott

I echo wholeheartedly my hon. Friend's tribute to the judges and others involved in the administration of justice in the Province in most difficult and trying circumstances. Nevertheless, we must always look for improvements. As my hon. Friend knows, the administration of justice is on the agenda for the next meeting of the Intergovernmental Conference.

Mr. Mallon

Is the Minister aware of the activities of some Members of this House in strutting along the streets of Northern Ireland in red berets, forming armies and provoking people to further violence? When will positive legislation be introduced to deal with incitement to violence or hatred by the spoken word, by marches or by the use of any emblem?

Mr. Scott

I am certainly concerned about some displays that have taken place in Northern Ireland, but it is very much a matter for the police, the prosecuting authorities and, in due course, the courts to decide whether there has been a breach of the law. As the hon. Gentleman knows, we propose to introduce a public order order covering some of the matters to which he referred. I hope that we shall be able to make an announcement about that in the not too distant future.