I propose to take Questions Nos. 1, 16, and 19 together.
It has not been customary, for security reasons, to provide details in advance in relation to the timing and venue of meetings of the conference. As indicated after its meeting on 11 March 1986 the conference will consider at its next meeting further progress reports on cross-Border security co-operation and on the development of relations between the security forces in Northern Ireland and the community; progress reports from the groups of officials set up under Article 8 of the agreement to discuss extradition, the possible harmonisation of areas of the criminal law, and the search for measures to enhance public confidence in the administration of justice; and cross-Border economic and social co-operation, with particular reference to tourism.
At the meeting of the conference on 30 December 1985, I put forward views and proposals designed to give substantial expression to the aim of ensuring public confidence in the administration of justice. A major issue which is of concern to me in this regard is, of course, the use of uncorroborated evidence of dubious supergrass witnesses in criminal trials in Northern Ireland in what appears to be a systematic way. I have expressed on a number of occasions my concern at the use of uncorroborated, or poorly supported, evidence in the Northern Ireland courts. A sub-group of the conference which was established last January has initiated detailed consideration of measures which would enhance public confidence in the administration of justice. This work is being actively pursued at the present time and, as earlier indicated, it is the intention to make a progress report to the next meeting of the conference.
I have already made known my views on the remarks made by the British Attorney General in the House of Commons on 19 March 1986. I have pointed out that the issue in Northern Ireland is not the admissibility of uncorroborated evidence in law, but rather that the perception has developed in recent years of a system involving large numbers of defendants charged on the evidence of dubious supergrass witnesses in trials which are presided over by a single judge acting without a jury.
At each of its meetings the conference has held a detailed exchange of views on a variety of matters affecting relations between the minority community and the security forces in Northern Ireland. It is considering ways in which these relations can be improved.
In regard to the use of plastic bullets, the British authorities are already aware of my views. I believe there is a clear need to reduce the risk to human life caused by the use of plastic bullets and, if this cannot be done, alternative measures of crowd control should be found.
At its meeting on 11 December 1985 the conference agreed that the RUC and the armed forces must not only discharge their duty evenhandedly and with equal respect for the Unionist and Nationalist identities and traditions but be seen by both communities to do so. It also considered the steps which were being taken progressively in applying the principle that the armed forces, including the UDR, operate only in support of the civil power with the particular objective of ensuring as rapidly as possible that, save in the most exceptional circumstances, there is a police presence in all operations which involve direct contact with the community.
Since then I have informed myself at regular intervals of the implementation of this principle. Evidence available to me indicates that progress is being made. Full implementation of this policy will provide the minority with a significant safeguard in its dealings with the security forces, including the UDR. As regards the number of complaints made to the authorities about UDR behaviour since the agreement was signed, I am not in a position to comment on whether there has been a reduction as statistics in this regard are not available. I believe, however, that there will be less cause for complaint once the policy of accompaniment has been fully implemented.
The conference has also considered a number of policy issues relating to prisons. I have made known to the British side my views on the subject of strip-searching at Armagh Prison and my belief that this practice should be reduced in the new prison at Maghaberry to an absolute minimum compatible with security requirements.