asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to comments made by a Conservative Party spokesperson on the BBC Northern Ireland programme "Spotlight" on 11 October 1979 in relation to Northern Ireland and if it is proposed to take any action in response to the outrageous statement concerning the shooting of young children.
Written Answers. - BBC Programme.
389.
From enquiries which I have made I understand that the person in question was not empowered to speak on behalf of the Conservative Party or any branch of that party. I share the view expressed by other participants in the programme that the statement the Deputy refers to was irresponsible but I would not wish to give it any further undeserved publicity or status by taking the matter up at a higher level, from which I have established, there was never any authorisation in any event.