HC Deb 18 October 1971 vol 823 cc79-80W
Mr. O'Halloran

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the decision to introduce internment in Northern Ireland was taken on the advice of the security forces.

Mr. Maudling

I would refer the hon. Member to what my noble Friend the Minister of State for Defence said in the debate on 23 rd September.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what advice he has received for the withdrawal of gun licences in Northern Ireland in order to help the rôle of the security forces in Northern Ireland; and what reply he has sent.

Mr. Maudling

The withdrawal of gun licences in Northern Ireland would be a matter for the Northern Ireland Government.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to receive and publish the report of Sir Edmund Compton into allegations of brutality by British troops during the arrest of detainees under the Special Powers Act.

Mr. Maudling

I cannot yet give a date. But the Chairman and his colleagues will report as soon as they can, consistently with fairness to complainants and those complained against.