HL Deb 25 June 1981 vol 421 cc1155-6

3.15 p.m.

Lord Vaizey

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 incitement to suicide is a crime in Northern Ireland as it is in England and Wales and, if so, what steps are being taken to enforce the law.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office (Lord Elton)

My Lords, it is an offence in Northern Ireland to aid, abet, counsel or procure the suicide or attempted suicide of another person. The steps taken to enforce this law are the same as for any other serious offence; the police initially investigate the circumstances and submit their findings to the Director of Public Prosecutions for his directions.

Lord Vaizey

My Lords, while thanking my noble friend for that Answer—I am sure he is aware that we warmly welcome the recent statements of the Irish hierarchy—may I ask whether he is aware that this matter is being treated as one of theological dispute, whereas incitement to suicide, rightly or wrongly, is a simple crime and should be treated as such?

Lord Elton

My Lords, I echo my noble friend's welcome for the pronouncements by the Roman Catholic bishops in Northern Ireland and I endorse that a crime is a crime and treated as such.

The Earl of Longford

My Lords, is the Minister aware that there have been many hunger strikes in this country, in England, over the years, including some which ended in death, yet no one has felt it necessary to launch a prosecution?

Lord Elton

My Lords, unless a complaint is made a prosecution does not normally follow.