HC Deb 31 March 1988 vol 130 cc702-3W
Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will call for a report from the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary on the role of Royal Ulster Constabulary informants and paid agents, and the control over payments made to them and as to what sums were used for these purposes in the latest available year; what was the largest sum paid to one individual in the latest available year; when changes were last made in the financial controls; what were the last changes made in procedures; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Tom King

It is not the practice to comment on such matters.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what form of declaration of secrecy officers of the Royal Ulster Constabulary are required to sign; and what guidance is given to them on the extent to which this permits or obliges them to conceal material evidence from investigating officers or the courts.

Mr. Tom King

All RUC officers are subject to the provisions of the Official Secrets Act 1911, 1920 and 1939. No guidance of the type mentioned by the hon. Member is given.

Mr. Livingstone

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many Royal Ulster Constabulary personnel are also members of the Orange Order, Freemasons, Royal Black Preceptory and the Apprentice Boys; if he will initiate an investigation into the effects of this membership and compatibility of such membership with service in the Royal Ulster Constabulary; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Stanley

[holding answer 28 March 1988]: The information requested is not available. There are no plans to initiate such an investigation.

Mr. Mullin

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many civilians have been killed by members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary since 1969.

Mr. Stanley

[holding answer 29 February 1988]: Forty, including civilians believed to have been terrorists and civilians who were not.