§ 1. Mr. LivingstoneTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on his Department's responsibilities for the information policy unit and pyschological operations in Northern Ireland.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Dr. Brian Mawhinney)My Department has no such unit.
§ Mr. LivingstoneI thank the Minister for his response. Will he explain why members of the security services have been involved in exercises entailing the use of Government facilities to forge documents; the passage of arms, including guns and bombs, to members of the civilian community, to be used against members of the security services and individuals in Southern Ireland; and political disinformation programmes such as "Clockwork Orange" during the 1974 election? Who was authorising all that if there was no such unit?
§ Dr. MawhinneyThe House is becoming aware—indeed more than aware—of the allegations constantly made by the hon. Gentleman. We would be interested to see the evidence to support what he has said.
§ Mr. DalyellWho authorised the bugging of the hay yard in the case of Michael Tighe, as adumbrated in Mr. Stalker's book? On what and on whose authority was that done?
§ Dr. MawhinneyI do not believe that that has anything to do with the question.