Security

HC Deb 01 August 1978 vol 955 cc288-9W

Mr. Molloy

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a comprehensive statement on progress made on the security front since September 1976.

Mr. Mason

Over the past two years there has been steady and solidly-based progress towards the restoration of peace and order. There is no room for complacency, but there has undoubtedly been a reduction in the level of violence and an increase in the number of terrorists brought to account. There were 245 civilian deaths in 1976; 69 in 1977; and 32 in the first half of 1978. There were 1908 shooting incidents in 1976. 1,081 in 1977; and 418 in the first half of 1978.

The Royal Ulster Constabulary has made excellent progress in fitting itself for the lead role which it now occupies in upholding law and order and co-ordinating security operations. The numerical strength of the force has increased steadily —from 5,151 on 1st October 1976 to 5,861 on 30th June 1978. The full-time reserve went up from 781 to 1,103. Additional senior posts have been authorised in order to strengthen the command structure of the force. A major effort has been made to build up professional skills and specialist units, including the formation of headquarters and regional crime squads, and of divisional mobile support teams in the rural divisions. Protective vehicles are being provided and the M1 carbine has been brought into service.

The Army has continued to provide the vital buttress for the security effort. although some reduction has been possible in the force level. The full-time establishment of the UDR has been increased to about 2,500, and in many cases the regiment has taken over the responsibility for providing first-line support for the RUC, thus releasing regular troops. There has been a substantial build-up in the capability to undertake covert surveillance.

The security forces have made significant inroads on the terrorists. In the two years up to 30th June 1978, 2,232 persons were charged with terrorist offences.

The law relating to the prevention and punishment of terrorism has been strengthened, some new offences having been created and some penalties increased.

There has been increasing rejection by the public of violence. The revulsion with terrorism that emerged in the summer and autumn of 1976 has continued and there has been a steady increase in the amount of information being supplied to the security forces.