§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what further steps he intends to take to offset the threats by Colonel Gaddafi that he will offer the Irish Republican Army training facilities and support; what extra co-operation between the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the Garda he will arrange to observe the movements of persons from Northern Ireland to Libya; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what steps he is taking to ensure that Colonel Gaddafi's plans to use Libyan students in Ireland as part of his international terrorist operations do not spill over into Northern Ireland; what discussions he has had with Ministers of the Irish Republic on this matter; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitneyWe are keeping Colonel Gaddafi's various threats under careful review and taking appropriate contingency measures to counter them. Neither my right 25W hon. and learned Friend nor my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland have discussed the issue with Ministers of the Government of the Republic of Ireland, though there have been discussions at official level. The Irish Government have made it clear that they share our concern about the possibility the the Libyan Government may provide funds and other support for the Provisional IRA.