§ Q37. Mr. Lathamasked the Prime Minister whether she will now make a statement on the situation in Northern Ireland, following the recent suicides by convicted terrorist prisoners.
§ The Prime MinisterFollowing the deaths of the hunger strikers, there was sporadic, but in some instances398W serious, rioting and civil disturbance in Belfast and to a lesser extent in Londonderry. Thanks to the skilful efforts of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the Army, these disturbances were effectively confined to limited areas, and I pay tribute to the great courage and restraint shown by members of the security forces. The Spearhead battalion was sent to Northern Ireland on 7 May to supplement the Army units already serving there; it was withdrawn on 9 June, by which time the disturbances had died down.
I was glad to be able to make a further visit to the Province on 28 May, which gave me the opportunity to have discussions with leaders of the community. I was greatly reassured by the determined efforts of ordinary people to carry on their lives normally.