HC Deb 12 March 1987 vol 112 cc459-60
19. Mr. Spencer

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

Mr. Tom King

Since I last reported to the House on 15 January, six people-a major in the Ulster Defence Regiment, a Royal Ulster Constabulary reserve constable and four civilians—have died as a result of the security situation. Three of the civilian deaths are believed to have been as a result of the Irish National Liberation Army feud. The efforts of the security forces are continuing to yield results. Since the beginning of the year, a total of 72 people have beeen charged with serious offences, 47 weapons, 810 rounds of ammunition and 1,617lbs of explosives have been recovered in Northern Ireland. In addition to those finds in Northern Ireland, there was a significant find of arms, ammunition and explosives by the Garda Siochana in the border region on 27 January.

Mr. Spencer

Does my right hon. Friend agree that even minor acts of violence by prominent elected figures undermine the position of the security forces and needlessly make their task more difficult?

Mr. King

Certainly I deplore any public protest activities that distract the security forces from their overwhelming and clear responsibility, for which they should have the support of the whole population, and that is the fight against terrorism.

20. Sir John Farr

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

Mr. Tom King

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I have just given to a question by the hon. and learned Member for Leicester, South (Mr. Spencer).

Sir John Farr

What evidence does my hon. Friend have of any new sources of supply of terrorist arms from overseas to Northern Ireland, and in particular what importance does he attach to the threat by colonel Gaddafi to supply the IRA?

Mr. King

The House will be aware of earlier attempts some years ago to obtain arms from Libya. We are under no illusions about terrorist attempts to secure arms from a number of sources. We are grateful that the assistance of the intelligence and security services of a number of other countries has successfully prevented the supply of such weapons.