§ Mr. Madelasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what information he has about the involvement of women in IRA terrorist activities; what action is being taken; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitelawMy information is that women are actively engaged in acts of IRA terrorism in Northern Ireland. Women have planted bombs and been involved in hijacking and armed robberies. Since the beginning of the IRA campaign a small number of women, believed to have been IRA terrorists, have been killed in premature explosions and during exchanges of fire with the security forces. Women are also known to have acted as couriers and weapon carriers for male terrorists. My hon. Friend will also be aware of the part played by women in luring three soldiers to their deaths at the hands of terrorists on 23rd March.
The security forces are making every effort to bring offenders to justice. Thirteen women are serving prison sentences ranging from two to 12 years for offences such as causing explosions, illegal possession of firearms and armed robbery. A further 11 women are in custody awaiting trial for similar offences.
In addition, the commissioners examining the cases of persons held under the Detention of Terrorists (Northern Ireland) Order 1972 have ordered that two women should be detained. Interim custody orders have been served on a further two women.