§ Q16. Mr. Lathamasked the Prime Minister whether she will make a statement on the situation in Northern Ireland, and the measures being taken to uphold law and order in the Province.
§ The Prime MinisterSince my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland made his statement to the House on 16 November two members of the UDR, one a former member, one a member of the RUC and one civilian have been murdered by terrorists. In addition, three policemen, two soldiers and a civilian have been injured, and a policeman and a civilian,, shot earlier by terrorists, have died of their injuries.
The Army's Spearhead unit has been sent to Northern Ireland to provide additional military support for the RUC, particularly in border areas. The RUC has concelled all leave and training, and administrative duties have been reduced to a minimum to release more police for operational duties. Everything possible is being done to protect those most at risk, including part-time members of the security forces. But a good deal inevitably depends on the vigilance of such persons themselves.
The security forces are doing their utmost to prevent further terrorist attacks and to bring the attackers to justice. Recent successes bear witness to the effectiveness of these efforts. The Government firmly believes that the right response to terrorist outrages is for the RUC, with the full support of the Army and the UDR, to continue to apply impartially the rule of law and bring the guilty to justice. The Government are absolutely committed to that aim. Any form of divisive action in the community will only make the task of the security forces more difficult and private armies will not be allowed to take over the work of the security forces.