§ 19. Mr. McCuskerasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the relationship between Provisional Sinn Fein and the Provisional IRA; and if he will consider proscribing Provisional Sinn Fein.
§ Mr. Humphrey AtkinsThe Provisional IRA and the Provisional Sinn Fein have the same political objectives and there is evidently a close relationship between the two organisations. This warrants, and receives, continuing scrutiny. In considering the proscription of any organisation, I am guided by whether it appears to be concerned in terrorism or in promoting or encouraging it. Any members of Provisional Sinn Fein who involve themselves in the activities of the Provisional IRA make themselves liable to be dealt with by the security forces and the courts according to the law.