§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Attorney-General how much has been spent in relocating informers who have been granted immunity in return for information about activities of terrorists in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. PriorI have been asked to reply.
So far as the considerations involved in the grant of immunity are concerned, I refer the hon. Gentleman to my right hon. and learned Friend's reply of 24 October 1983. [Official Report,Vol. 47, c. 472.] Arrangements may be made for the protection of individuals who give evidence on information against former accomplices in terrorist 452W organisations. They are made at the request of individual witnesses for their own safety—and for that of their dependants — after the matter of trial has been dealt with. It would not be appropriate to give precise details since they might prejudice the security of individuals; but total expenditure on their protection in the five years ending March 1983 amounted to just over £½ million. This expenditure is kept at the minimum level consistent with adequate protection of those concerned.
§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Attorney-General how many informers in Northern Ireland have been settled outside the United Kingdom; and what has been the estimated cost of such resettlements.
§ Mr. PriorI have been asked to reply.
It would not be appropriate to give detailed information on matters that bear on the safety of individuals. As regards expenditure, I refer the hon. Gentleman to my earlier answer.