Security (Hansard, 12 November 1987)

§ 16. Mr. Molyneaux
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the security situation in Northern Ireland.

§ Mr. Tom King
Since I last answered questions in the House on 23 July, 29 people have been killed in incidents arising from the security situation. These include a number of believed terrorists killed by their own devices. Against that serious background, the security forces have achieved some significant results. So far this year, 394 people have been charged with serious offences, including 25 with murder. A total of 230 weapons and approximately 1,300 rounds of ammunition and 12,725 lb of explosives have been recovered.
In addition, the Garda Siochana has recovered 118 weapons, 10,000 rounds of ammunition and some 4,000 lb of explosives. In addition, the House will be aware of the substantial arms seizure on the Eksund for which we are most grateful to the French authorities.
As I informed the House, I am having further urgent discussions with my security advisers in the light of the recent outrages. I shall also be having early discussions with Irish Ministers about security matters.
The House will be aware of the universal condemnation that Sunday's outrage in Enniskillen has received. It is vital that that condemnation is backed by the fullest help and support from all sides of the community to the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the security forces in their vital fight against terrorism.

§ 24. Mr. Fearn
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the progress of cross-border security co-operation.

§ Mr. Stanley
The Anglo-Irish Agreement has given us the best opportunity we have so far had for enhancing security co-operation with the authorities in the Republic of Ireland. In the last two years we have made worthwhile advances, and look forward to making still further progress in enabling the security forces both north and south of the border to deal more effectively with the terrorist threat.

§ 33. Sir John Farr
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the current security situation in the Province.

§ Mr. Campbell-Savours
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will make a statement on the security position in Northern Ireland.

§ Mr. Leigh
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the security situation in Northern Ireland.

§ Mr. Tom King
I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Norfolk, North-West (Mr. Bellingham) and the hon. Member for Londonderry, East (Mr. Ross).

§ Mr. Latham
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will make a statement on the current operation of the Anglo-Irish Agreement regarding security matters.
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§ Mr. Tom King
The Anglo-Irish Agreement has given us the best opportunity we have so far had for enhancing security co-operation with the authorities in the Republic of Ireland. In the last two years we have made worthwhile advances, and look forward to making still further progress in enabling the security forces both north and south of the border to deal more effectively with the terrorist threat.