HC Deb 19 February 1991 vol 186 cc138-9
9. Mr. Kilfedder

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the armed forces in Northern Ireland are experiencing any problems as a result of IRA threats to builders and suppliers.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The Government take all the steps necessary to ensure that the requirements of the armed forces in Northern Ireland are met. Intimidation and brutal, cold-blooded murder by terrorists of ordinary people working for their living has not, and will not, advance the terrorist cause one inch.

Mr. Kilfedder

Will the Minister pay tribute to all those people of courage who have fulfilled their contracts for the security forces, especially those who have been murdered by the cowardly members of the IRA? Is the Minister aware that the Ulster people have nothing but contempt for those who seek out such soft and easy targets as civilians who work for the security forces, especially Roman Catholic members of the community who are trying to do their best for Northern Ireland and for their families?

Mr. Hamilton

Yes, I am delighted to pay great tribute to the people who work for the security forces in Northern Ireland. The whole programme of construction in Northern Ireland, which has been massive, as the hon. Gentleman is aware, has not been put back one bit by terrorist acts.

Mr. Ron Brown

While we all roundly condemn terrorism, especially the terrorist acts recently in London, does the Minister agree that there is an argument for withdrawing, especially British troops, from the Province—as there is an argument for withdrawing Scottish troops from the Gull—[Interruption.]—and may I remind the Minister that about 42 per cent. of all British troops are Scots? We must argue the case—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The question is about Northern Ireland.

Mr. Brown

I was talking about the linkage and pointing out that, as we all say, negotiation is better than conflagration and peace is better than war.

Mr. Hamilton

I remind the hon. Gentleman that the presence of British troops in Northern Ireland is to uphold the democratic will of the majority of the people there. He must believe as much as I do in the democratic rights of the people of Northern Ireland.