§ Mr. Chichester-Clarkasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what steps are being taken by British embassies overseas to explain Her Majesty's Government's policy in relation to the will of the majority of the people of Northern Ireland to remain part of the United Kingdom;
(2) what steps have been taken by the British Embassy in Washington to explain the position of the Governments of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Anthony RoyleAs I said in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Belfast, North (Mr. Stratton Mills) on 20th October, Her Majesty's444W missions overseas, including of course Her Majesty's Embassy in Washington, receive information and guidance on all aspects of the situation in Northern Ireland. They are all fully briefed on the constitutional position of the Province as part of the United Kingdom, and on the policy of Her Majesty's Government that this shall not change against the wishes of the people who live there. —[Vol. 823, c. 136.]
§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Government of the Republic of Ireland about the unsatisfactory working of the extradition arrangements, and in particular about the proceedings at Killybegs District Court, County Donegal, on 20th October, 1971, where an application for the extradition of a man for the alleged murder of a policeman in Strabane was refused on grounds of identification despite the fact that this could have been established by a Royal Ulster Constabulary officer.
§ Mr. Anthony RoyleIn the Irish Republic, as in the United Kingdom, a division is maintained between the Executive and the Judiciary. For this reason intergovernmental representations would be inappropriate. Nevertheless, there are some puzzling features about the recent Killybegs District Court decision, and we are asking the Irish authorities for an explanation.
§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the occasions in the last 12 months when the Republic of Ireland Government have protested about alleged border incidents; and if he will indicate the nature of Her Majesty's Government's reply on each occasion.
§ Mr. Anthony RoyleOn 19th October the Government of the Irish Republic protested about an alleged border incursion at Tullyrahan, Castleblaney, County Monaghan, earlier that day. The Irish authorities have on a number of other occasions brought to our notice alleged border incursions. When we have found these allegations substantiated we have accordingly apologised.
On 21st October, Her Majesty's Ambassador in Dublin asked the Government of the Irish Republic to provide 445W further details of the alleged incident of 19th October, since the evidence in the possession of Her Majesty's Government did not substantiate the Irish statement. I understand that the Irish authorities have now responded to this request; the additional material will be fully studied as soon as it reaches my Department.