HL Deb 10 November 1975 vol 365 cc1576-7
Lord O'NEILL of the MAINE

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 whether they are satisfied with the level of security in London and the larger British cities.

Lord HARRIS of GREENWICH

My Lords, we shall not be satisfied until terrorism has been extirpated, but every effort is being made to maximise security throughout Great Britain against attacks by terrorists. The vigilance of members of the public continues to be of great importance.

Lord O'NEILL of the MAINE

My Lords, I wonder whether the Minister is aware that, for someone coming from the unhappy part of the United Kingdom called Northern Ireland, there appears to be little security in Britain? Is he also aware that terrorists tend to attack the same target several times, which would mean that the Palace of Westminster would not be immune on a future occasion?

Lord HARRIS of GREENWICH

My Lords, on the latter point, that is a matter for my right honourable friend the Leader of the House who has recently been involved in discussions on this matter. On the first point, the level of security in this country is lower than it is in Northern Ireland; the noble Lord is right in saying that. On the other hand, there has been a substantial improvement over the past 12 months. This is because of the terrorist attacks which have taken place. I should like to take this opportunity—I am sure on behalf of the whole House—to say how delighted we were that the right honourable gentleman the former Leader of the Opposition survived the attack at the weekend and responded to the matter with the characteristic courage which we have now come to expect of him.

Lord ORR-EWING

My Lords, would the noble Lord consider putting out some recommendations to the general public on the manner in which, should they discover a bomb, they could reduce possible injury to the civil population? It seems there is not any general knowledge on this issue, which would be highly desirable.

Lord HARRIS of GREENWICH

My Lords, I am much obliged to the noble Lord. This matter is constantly being discussed, and a number of police forces have given guidance to shopkeepers and owners of large-scale businesses on how they should respond to threats of attacks. This is a matter constantly before us. I am grateful for what the noble Lord has said.