Mr John Biggs-Davison: At this distressing and dangerous time, would it not be helpful if certain Catholic priests considered more carefully some of their words and the effect of those words on other people? Should not such people as Father Raymond Murray realise that a priest is called to be a pastor, not just to Republicans, but to Catholics of all opinions, including Catholics loyally serving in the armed...
Mr John Biggs-Davison: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the work of the British Transport police in protecting persons and property on the London Underground.
Mr John Biggs-Davison: While new measures will be welcomed by my constituents, whether passengers or staff, is it not the case that threatening and drunken behaviour, mugging and other violence—not to mention illegal graffiti and litter—are rife, and would it not be a good idea if the British Transport police, like other constabulary forces, had a special constabulary to supplement their regular personnel?
Mr John Biggs-Davison: On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Would it be in order for me, without detaining the House, formally to move the motion standing in my name on the Order Paper?
Mr John Biggs-Davison: I understand—perhaps the Minister can confirm this— that such tapes are always destroyed, under standing orders to that effect.
Mr John Biggs-Davison: Early in his speech, the hon. Member for Newry and Armagh (Mr. Mallon) said that he believed that someone is innocent until proved guilty. He then proceeded to pronounce 40 Royal Marine commandos guilty. Having had some rather undistinguished service in the Corps of Royal Marines, I resent that, and I look forward to hearing from the Minister that there will be a proper inquiry. It seems...
Mr John Biggs-Davison: I should be glad to address my mind to it, but I am afraid that I cannot provide any useful information now. I shall certainly have a look at the case. As for "Stalker-Sampson", as they call it, my opinion, for what it is worth, is that there was never any question of criminal prosecution. The hon. Gentleman describes Sir John Hermon as a star of stage and screen. I did not wish to make any...
Mr John Biggs-Davison: While thanking my right hon. Friend for so promptly and graciously acceding to the wishes of Back-Bench Members on both sides of the House for more time to debate the emergency powers, may I ask whether the necessity to alter the business does not bring out forcefully the unsatisfactory manner in which Northern Ireland business has been handled since the abolition of Stormont?
Mr John Biggs-Davison: On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Will you allow me to give notice that I shall not rise again to intervene in the debate, but I wish to protest, as I have often protested, at the handling of Northern Ireland business.
Mr John Biggs-Davison: Is not Mr. Des O'Malley, TD, right to deprecate the use of security cooperation by other Irish politicians as what he calls a "diplomatic crowbar" to extract concessions from Her Majesty's Government? May we have an end to these apologies for border crossings by members of the security forces? Will the Government make members of the Garda Siochana, the Irish Army and the Irish air corps...
Mr John Biggs-Davison: When the Prime Minister in Brussels talks to the Taoiseach, with whom she got on very well on an earlier occasion, will she tell him that the British people are prepared to accept the interference of the Irish Republic in the internal affairs of the United Kingdom only to the extent that he is prepared to accept British interference in the affairs of the Irish Republic?
Mr John Biggs-Davison: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measurements have been taken to assess the overall noise rise (L10 and L90) that has occurred on the M25; when and where they were taken; and what further measurements are proposed in the vicinity of the Theydon Garnon interchange.
Mr John Biggs-Davison: Have not the predicted noise levels been exceeded, to the distress of my constituents? May fresh consideration be given in the Department to an acoustic barrier, a noise resistant road surface and the planting of more trees?
Mr John Biggs-Davison: Are not the safety and continued effectiveness of members of the security forces and of the security services and those who help them an important part of the national interest that the Director of Public Prosecutions was bound to consider? Should not responsible Members of this House have a care for that? Is my right hon. Friend aware that we await his further statement with confidence and...
Mr John Biggs-Davison: Will my right hon. and learned Friend confirm that, in due course, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland will be coming to the House to report on any disciplinary implications arising from his statement and any implications for the discipline and control of the RUC?
Mr John Biggs-Davison: Are Ministers succeeding in removing the anxieties of religious bodies and individuals, who fear that religious instruction may be squeezed and suffer when the core curriculum is introduced?
Mr John Biggs-Davison: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about cross-border security co-operation.
Mr John Biggs-Davison: Despite the promising words from Dublin after the Enniskillen atrocity, is my right hon. Friend aware of the scepticism about the full political will of the Irish Republic to defeat terrorism, when it still withholds the direct contact of its armed forces with those of the United Kingdom? What is being done about that?
Mr John Biggs-Davison: To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 3 December.
Mr John Biggs-Davison: In preparing her efforts to ensure common sense in the Common Market at Copenhagen—[Interruption.]—whatever the Opposition may think, my right hon. Friend has the support of the whole country—will she draw encouragement, not only from the backing of public opinion here, but from the support given by the West German people, as shown in a recent public opinion poll?