HC Deb 04 April 1974 vol 871 cc405-6W
Mr. McCusker

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether or not he is prepared to negotiate with the IRA or its political spokesmen, in view of the fact that recruitment for the Ulster Defence Regiment in County Armagh fell from 40 per month to four following similar action by a previous Secretary of State.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

I made it clear at my Press conference in Belfast on 6th March 1974 that I would never negotiate with the IRA.