HC Deb 27 February 1997 vol 291 c332W
22. Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on his policies to reduce levels of paramilitary violence in the Province. [16381]

Sir John Wheeler

The Government's first priority in Northern Ireland is to eradicate terrorism from whichever section of the community it comes. To this end, the Government will continue to ensure that the Royal Ulster Constabulary, supported by the armed forces, has both the resources and the legal powers it needs to combat terrorism effectively. Already this year, the security forces have achieved a number of significant successes, with 22 people being charged with terrorist-related offences and significant terrorist activity disrupted.