§ Mr. Murphyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the main policy achievements of his Department since May 1979.
§ Mr. PriorThe suppression of terrorism and public disorder in Northern Ireland remains one of the Government's principal objectives, and we have made substantial progress in recent years in deterring violence and bringing criminals to justice. In pursuit of this policy, the Government have provided for significant increases in the strength and resources of the Royal Ulster Constabulary.
The Northern Ireland Assembly established by the Northern Ireland Act 1982 and elected in October of that year has enabled the people of Northern Ireland through their elected representatives carefully to monitor the work of Northern Ireland Departments. It continues to provide a framework for the constitutional parties to devise arrangements for the return of devolved powers which would command widespread acceptance throughout the community.
Although the economic climate remains difficult, welcome developments include new contracts won by Shorts and by Harland and Wolff, and the decision to establish a free port at Aldergrove airport. The Industrial Development Board promoted over 3,000 new jobs in its first year and is making a vigorous attempt to increase employment; the Local Enterprise Development Unit is consistently bettering its job targets; and work is proceeding on a natural gas pipeline between the Republic of Ireland and Belfast. Special measures have been agreed by the EC for urgan renewal in Belfast; special financial aid has been provided for agriculture, and significant improvements have been made in the housing stock.