§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) whether, in the light of the recent statement of the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, that the Gardai in the Republic of Ireland had to reduce their resources for the penetration and monitoring of terrorist groups, he remains satisfied with the co-operation between the security forces of the Irish Republic and the Royal Ulster Constabulary in the apprehension and conviction of members of the Irish Republican Army and the Irish National Liberation Army; and if he will make a statement;
(2) whether the recent statement by the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary on security accurately represents (a) Her Majesty's Government's policy towards cross-border co-operation between the British and Irish security forces and (b) Her Majesty's Government's assessment of the effectiveness of that co-operation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Tom KingI shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.