§ 1. Lady Olga MaitlandTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about recent developments in cross-border security.
§ The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (Sir John Wheeler)Both the British and Irish Governments are committed to working closely together to maintain and enhance security co-operation. The Chief Constable made it clear last month that co-operation between the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the Garda was
at an all time high".
§ Lady Olga MaitlandI thank my right hon. Friend for his reply. Will he join me in condemning the brutal murder of Gerry Evans in Belfast last night by the IRA off-shoot INLA? In view of the increased number of atrocities now taking place on both sides of the border, perpetrated by the IRA, Sinn Fein and the loyalists, will he join me in encouraging the Irish Republic to build on the success of Operation Madronna to stiffen our security procedures—by, for example, increased surveillance on the border, helicopter flights and joint intelligence?
§ Sir John WheelerThe whole House will condemn without reservation the horror of the murders that have taken place in Belfast and Northern Ireland in recent days —eight murders in eight days. There are those who commit these appalling crimes and those who know who commit them. The public can help the police by using the confidential hotline and can assist the police in apprehending those who commit these abominable offences. As it is, the police are increasingly successful in the number of people whom they apprehend. As to my hon. Friend's second point, Operation Madronna has been particularly successful, involving the police service of the Republic, the RUC and police forces throughout the United Kingdom; 41 searches have taken place and a large quantity of drugs, stolen property, cash and other documents have been seized.
§ Dr. HendronI know that the Minister is aware that people in my constituency of West Belfast are being shot down as though they were rats, in the streets or in their houses. For example, Francis Rice was shot by the Provos two days ago, 16 young people had their knees blown off by the Provos, Liam Thompson was murdered last night by the interface in Springfield park, and Mr. Rand Brown, a shopkeeper starting work at 5.30 this morning, was brutally murdered. I put it to the Minister that the people of all of Belfast, especially west and north Belfast, are frightened. In Springfield park, where Liam Thompson was murdered last night, people complained yesterday about a breach of, or opening in, the interface there—they were concerned about that. I shall be seeing police chiefs about that myself.
Can the Minister give a guarantee, so far as he can, that the police will provide protection? I emphasise the word "protection". I am not asking for a saturation of all sorts of areas; I am asking for protection in the evenings and at night time in the major housing estates and along interfaces, whether they are in west Belfast or north Belfast. I would appreciate that very much.
§ Madam SpeakerBefore the Minister replies, let me remind the House that I am seeking brisk questions to Ministers and brisk answers. The last time that we had questions on Northern Ireland, the House reached only Question 7. That is not right. Members who have questions on the Order Paper have a right to be called, and I hope that we can move briskly today.
§ Sir John WheelerI understand the hon. Gentleman's concern about his constituents. Let me give him an assurance that the police will spare no effort in pursuing those who committed these evil acts. I can tell the House that, already this year, 143 people have been charged with serious terrorist offences, including 31 with murder or attempted murder.
§ Rev. Ian PaisleyI am sure that the Minister is aware that those in the rural districts also feel the concern expressed by the hon. Member for Belfast, West (Dr. Hendron) and are aware of what happened in Garvagh. All those deeds must be condemned without reservation. I trust that today the Minister will tell us something about the height of security between the forces of the Crown and those of the Irish Republic in the Crossmaglen area. What is all the problem about, when the Government are seeking to defend Royal Ulster Constabulary men and members of the British Army and to get them some sort of defence against those murderers in that area?
§ Sir John WheelerI can assure the hon. Gentleman that the RUC and the Gardai are working with the highest degree of co-operation in the exercise at Crossmaglen, as I can further assure him that every effort will be made to protect all citizens in Northern Ireland, regardless of where they may live and who they may be.