HL Deb 26 July 1972 vol 333 cc1350-1

2.35 p.m.

LORD BARNBY

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government how many internees released by the present regime in Ulster have since been re-arrested, killed or recognised while pursuing violence on the streets.

THE MINISTER OF STATE, NORTHERN IRELAND OFFICE (LORD WINDLESHAM)

My Lords, up to July 21 six out of 440 internees released had been arrested for alleged offences which could be regarded as in pursuit of violence on the streets. Two of these were released without charges having been made against them and the charge against a third was subsequently dropped. None had been killed, or identified by the security forces while engaged in acts of violence. In the course of the operations which the Army mounted after the explosions in Belfast on July 21 seven more former internees were arrested. One of these has been charged with unlawful possession of ammunition and the others have been released.

LORD BARNBY

My Lords, arising out of the noble Lord's helpful but rather puzzling Answer—because it appears to he at variance with so many reports which have appeared in the Press—would he not agree that it seems more and more doubtful that the cause of peace is really being served by the continuing acquiescence in the seizure of British territory by revolutionary murderers, who include many aligns, and therefore that a change in course has now become desirable?

LORD WINDLESHAM

My Lords, the figures are the most accurate available. Since the sequence of explosions—the very terrible explosions—in Belfast on Friday afternoon the military campaign against the Provisional I.R.A. has been intensified. But the search for a political solution acceptable and fair to both communities continues, and my right honourable friend the Secretary of State is this week engaged in a series of talks with representatives of different political Parties and groups.