§ Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will make a statement on the results of his Department in achieving the Government's policy programme since his predecessor's reply to the hon. Member for Melton on 6 July 1981, Official Report, column 41.
§ Mr. PriorThe position with regard to the principal elements of the Government's policy programme for Northern Ireland is as follows:
Political Development
Further to their policy of giving the people of Northern Ireland an opportunity to resume greater responsibility over running their own affairs, the Government brought before Parliament on 20 April a Bill to give effect to the constitutional proposals outlined 412W in the White Paper "Northern Ireland: A Framework for Devolution"—Cmnd. 8541—earlier that month. These proposals provide a flexible framework in which arrangements acceptable to both sides of the community might be created for the devolution of powers to a representative Northern Ireland body. An elected Assembly, involved in the conduct of public business from the outset, will be able to recommend either full or partial devolution. These proposals provide an opportunity to establish a stable and durable system of government in the interests of the well-being of the people of Northern Ireland. The Bill has passed all stages in this House and is at present being considered in another place.Law and Order
The Government remain resolutely committed to the defence of the Northern Ireland community against terrorist violence and public disorder, and to preserving and strengthening the rule of law. 1981 was in many respects a specially difficult year for the Province, but so far in 1982 we have seen a resumption of the steady progress made in recent years towards the creation of a more peaceful and stable society. There is still a need for vigilance, but the street violence associated with the hunger strike of last summer, which the security forces controlled with great courage and professional skill, has faded away, and the Royal Ulster Constabulary has continued to make major inroads against those responsible for terrorist activity. During the period, 843 persons have been charged with terrorist offences, and in the period 1 June 1981 to 31 May 1982, 694 persons were convicted of such offences.Economic Strategy
Within the national economic strategy of creating conditions for growth in output and employment, reducing the rate of inflation, providing incentives and holding public expenditure at affordable levels, the Government have taken steps to meet the particular problems of the Northern Ireland economy. New investment incentives remain the most generous in the United Kingdom. The new Industrial Development Board will have the task of bringing these to the attention of potential investors world-wide. Electricity tariffs are now and will remain subsidised so that they will not exceed the highest in England and Wales. The Belfast enterprise zone is now attracting small businesses. The youth training programme has been initiated to alleviate the problems of high youth unemployment. The higher levels of public expenditure on social economic and environmental services continue to reflect the greater levels of need in Northern Ireland.