'A Commentary by the Government of Northern Ireland to Accompany the Cameron Report', (September 1969)[Key_Events] [Key_Issues] [Conflict_Background] Government Reports and Acts 
by the Government of Northern Ireland TO ACCOMPANY THE CAMERON REPORT
incorporating an account of progress
his Excellency the Governor of Northern Ireland September 1969
THE CAMERON REPORT ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT UP TO 1968 NORTHERN IRELAND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 1970-75 THE REFORMS OF NOVEMBER 1968 Allocation of Houses PROGRESS ACHIEVED ON THOSE REFORMS Checklist of Action taken on Reforms JOINT DECLARATION OF AUGUST 1969 THE POLICE THE SCARMAN TRIBUNAL OF INQUIRY VISIT OF THE HOME SECRETARY WORKING PARTIES VISIT OF UNITED KINGDOM OFFICIALS COMMUNITY RELATIONS THE BAILLIE REPORT PARLIAMENT
1. His Excellency the Governor of Northern Ireland, acting on the advice of the Government of Northern Ireland, appointed a Commission on 3rd March 1969 "to hold an enquiry into and to report upon the course of events leading to, and the immediate causes and nature of, the violence and civil disturbances in Northern Ireland on and since 5th October 1968; and to assess the composition, conduct and aims of those bodies involved in the current agitation and in any incidents arising out of it." 2. The Commission consisted of The Honourable Lord Cameron, D.S.C., Professor Sir Henry Biggart, C.B.E. and James Joseph Campbell Esq., M.A. 3. Their Report - referred to for convenience as the Cameron Report - has now been received and published (Cmd. 532). 4. The Government wish at once to express their gratitude to Lord Cameron, Sir Henry Biggart and Mr. Campbell for their work. They appreciate in particular their care in inviting and examining such a large body of evidence, the pains which they have taken, the time they have devoted, the depth of their scholarly analysis and the despatch with which they have completed their heavy task and have drawn up their voluminous and well documented Report. The Government feel sure that the community at large will share in this public expression of thanks and appreciation to those three persons of the highest professional standing, integrity and independence. 5. Further, the Government commend the Report, taken as a whole, for widespread public study and reflection. 6. As soon as Parliament resumes, a Notice of Motion will be tabled in the House of Commons by the Prime Minister in order that the Report and this accompanying Commentary may be debated. A similar Notice of Motion will be tabled in the Senate by the Leader of the Senate. It is probable that the Government will ask the Houses of Parliament to consider the Cameron Report and this Commentary. The Report is, in certain passages, openly critical of some actions by Government and of some mistakes and excesses by a few members of the police forces; and the Government readily and fully recognize that there are practical lessons to be learned from those findings. Further, the Report renders a great service by putting on record and making available to world opinion the provocation offered to the police and the immense strain which sporadic disturbances in different parts of the country impose on a small police force, as the Royal Ulster Constabulary is in relation to the tasks it faces. The Report also confirms publicly and independently the operation within Northern Ireland of ".....persons whose immediate and deliberate intention is to prepare, plan and provoke violence, reckless of the consequences to persons or property....." (paragraph 235). In commending the Report for public study and reflection, the Government attach only one condition, namely that it should be taken as a composite whole. When this is done, a pattern emerges which the country has for long recognised as existing and as threatening civil and constitutional stability. It is a pattern of some genuinely held grievances; of the formation of well-meaning organisations to ventilate those grievances but also of the prompt exploitation of those organisations by ill-disposed persons for their own ends, not the least of which is a systematic attempt first to discredit and then to undermine all constituted authority - the local authorities, the police, the Ulster Special Constabulary and ultimately the Parliament and Government of Northern Ireland - in a determination to achieve either the merging of this State into the Irish Republic or the setting up of a new Irish Workers Republic.
7. At paragraph 146 the Cameron Report acknowledges the ".....rapid economic and social progress....." made in Northern Ireland up to the Autumn of 1968. That statement is borne out by the immense programmes that had been carried through in the fields of industrial development; industrial training; housing, water supply, sewerage; roads; schools, colleges and Universities; agricultural services and education, forestry, drainage; town and country planning; public transport; hospitals, health, welfare, child care; tourism, amongst many others; to which of course must be added the comprehensive social security arrangements in close parity with the arrangements in force in other parts of the United Kingdom. Those programmes are fully documented in published literature, and are visibly for the benefit of every section of the community. 8. This is not the place to elaborate those well-known achievements. The aim at this point is simply to place them firmly on record, to endorse the finding of ".....rapid economic and social progress....."in paragraph 146, and to draw attention to the findings of thc Cameron Report in the socially vital field of house-building. 9. In Tables embodied in the Report the main statistics of house-building since the l939-45 War are set out. A total of 161,000 dwellings have been built by all agencies since the War, one for about every nine persons or for every two-and-a-half families, as an addition to the countrys existing stock of houses. This means that around two people in every five are living in modern post-war houses or flats. 10. A second figure given in the Report relates to the number of post-war houses built by public authorities for letting: 103,000 (as distinct from the 57,000 built by private enterprise, mainly, but not wholly, for owner-occupation). This means one house, built by public authorities since the War for letting to persons in need, for every four families or thereabouts in addition to the 1939 stock. 11. Thirdly, the Report at paragraph 139 brings out the fact that in Londonderry ".....a vast programme....." had been carried through in the South Ward. The figure given for the City of Londonderry as a whole is over 4,000 houses built or being built by public authorities for letting, up to September 1968. This was above the average for Northern Ireland as a whole, high though that average was. Much modern re-housing has been accomplished in the Bogside itself.
12. In May 1968, the Government invited Professor Sir Robert Matthew of Edinburgh, Professor Tom Wilson of Glasgow and Professor Jack Parkinson formerly of the Queens University of Belfast and now of Nottingham University to draw tip a programme of economic, physical and social measures for the period 1970-75. This involved a review of progress made under thc Matthew Plan of 1963 and the Wilson Economic Plan of 1965, both of which had been accepted and acted upon by the Government of Northern Ireland. 13. Intensive work was started as soon as the Consultants were appointed. Much evidence from a wide range of bodies has been received and studied, and note has been taken of similar economic or physical plans for other regions in the British Isles and abroad. The report of the Consultants is now in the final stages of preparation and is due to be published before the end of the year. It will propose measures for economic expansion in a great number of fields and for social improvement; it will also face the problems of manpower, employment and unemployment; and the recommendations will be closely related to the finances likely to be available. One of the promising features is the way in which physical and economic strategies are being blended into one consistent programme for the development of the whole of Northern Ireland. 14. Just as the Development Programme builds on the programmes of the past, it looks ahead to the need for similar programmes in the years following 1975. 15. This Programme is singled out here for mention because it is the most comprehensive piece of work in hand, and - provided sufficient money is available - is likely to have the greatest impact on investment, employment and location. Many other Inquiries and studies have been commissioned in recent years and eminent persons from outside Northern Ireland appointed to conduct them, for example the Benson Report on the Railways: the Lockwood Report on Universities and other aspects of Higher Education: the Hall Working Party on Employment and Unemployment; Building Design Partnership Reports for planning in the Belfast Urban Area; R. Travers Morgan Reports for transportation in the Belfast Area, to mention only some of the most outstanding. 16. In view of the work done by these and other Consultants of the highest standing and in view of the great amount of co-operation given by authorities, private enterprise and individual persons all over the country, the Government consider it right to emphasise the strenuous, consistent and sustained efforts made over many years to improve conditions in Northern Ireland and to keep on improving them.
17. The violence and civil disturbances which the Cameron Commission were asked to examine started on 5th October 1968. On 22nd November 1968, the Government of Northern Ireland announced a series of reforms as follows: "(1) Allocation of Houses
18. The table opposite summarises briefly the action taken since November 1968 to implement the reforms announced at that time and the progress made in implementing these proposals is then examined in detail in the following pages. There is also reference to additional steps taken by the Government to meet legitimate grievances, and to plan for the future economic and physical development of Northern Ireland. Checklist of Action taken on Reforms
Allocation of Houses 19. The Government decided that the best way to ensure that all housing authorities allocated their houses fairly was to issue guidance to them setting out the principles which should underlie any housing allocation scheme and to accompany this with a model allocation scheme incorporating these principles. The guidance and model scheme was published in final form after considerable research and consultation with many bodies in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. No other Government Department in the United Kingdom has issued such detailed advice on allocations to housing authorities. 20. The Ministrys proposals were published in June 1969 and already the model scheme has been adopted by the Northern Ireland Housing Trust, the three Development Commissions and the majority of local authorities. All but a few of the remaining local authorities have put forward modified versions of the model which are consistent with the principles set out by the Ministry. Those authorities who have not yet submitted any proposal will be having early meetings to discuss the problem. The response from housing authorities has therefore been excellent with, to date, over 90 per cent of authorities having decided either to adopt the Ministrys model as it stands or a modified version of it. 21. There are of course considerable administrative problems involved in bringing the new machinery into operation. This applies particularly to authorities with large waiting lists where it will take some time before the new arrangements can be fully implemented. In the meantime, housing authorities have been asked by the Minister to follow the principles of the Ministrys scheme. 22. Once the legislation on citizens grievances has been enacted, it will be open to any housing applicant who considers that a housing authoritys allocation scheme has been administered in a biased way, to exercise his rights under that legislation.
Investigation of Citizens Grievances 23. The statement of 22nd November 1968, specifically mentioned legislation to appoint a Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration to investigate cases of alleged maladministration by Northern Ireland Government Departments. The drafting of a Bill and the administrative problems involved in setting up the Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner were urgently pursued and the Bill was presented to the Northern Ireland Parliament in early March 1969. 24. After extensive debate in the Northern Ireland Parliament, Royal Assent to the Bill was given on 27th June 1969. It came into force as the Parliamentary Commissioner Act (Northern Ireland) 1969 on 1st July 1969. Sir Edmund Compton, K.C.B., K.B.E., Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration in the Westminster Parliament agreed to become Parliamentary Commissioner in Northern Ireland and his office in Bedford House, Belfast became fully operational when the provisions of the Act came into force. 25. The Governments statement of 22nd November 1968 which promised legislation to establish a Parliamentary Commissioner Office in Northern Ireland, also gave an undertaking that consideration would be given to the need for effective machinery to investigate citizens' grievances in an objective way outside the area of central government activity. 26. The Parliamentary Commissioner Act (Northern Ireland) 1969 was closely modelled on the Westminster legislation of 1967 and consequently did not apply to the activities of local or public authorities. Ministers have not direct responsibility for the services of these bodies and the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration was therefore not enabled by the legislation to investigate their activities except where conducted on an agency basis for central government. 27. On 15th May 1969, the Prime Minister announced that the Government's consideration of the need for machinery to consider grievances outside the scope of the Parliamentary Commissioner had progressed far enough for them to conclude that the need for such machinery had been established. He therefore promised that legislation on this complex subject would be introduced and passed into law during the present session. He promised that a system of investigation would be provided which would complement the Parliamentary Commissioner system and would cover maladministration (in a broad sense) by local or public authorities, including any form of alleged improper bias or discrimination on any grounds by a public body or authority against a citizen. 28. Work on the drafting of the legislation has proceeded urgently but the necessary consultations on all the details of the proposals have not yet been completed. Nevertheless the broad outline of the proposals can now be given. It is proposed that the Bill will he presented after the end of the summer recess to provide for the appointment of a Commissioner and staff who will deal with citizens who claim to have suffered grievances. Complaints will be received direct by the Commissioner and will not be channelled through Members of Parliament or local Councillors and Aldermen. The Commissioner will not only investigate allegations of maladministration but in the case of any complaints which lie finds to be genuine will endeavour to achieve conciliation by persuasion. In most cases this should enable any genuine grievances to be settled, but if need be redress may be sought in the County Courts. There will he safeguards against frivolous or vexatious complaints so that these will not slow down the whole machinery and so frustrate the investigation and settlement of genuine grievances. 29. The Government also believe that a valuable part can be played by a Community Relations Board and have already announced that they will provide for its establishment. This will be done either in the legislation to deal with grievances or in a separate Bill. Such a Board would have the primary task of improving and restoring harmonious community relations, both by its own efforts and by co-ordinating and assisting the activities of other bodies with similar aims. Assistance would include financial help and the Board would also be available for consultation by the Commissioner - who would himself be a member of it - and members could be asked to render him direct assistance in individual cases. 30. The brief description of the proposals which are being considered shows what the main differences will be between the Parliamentary Commissioner Act of 1969 and the new legislation. It will, however, be important to ensure that both systems work closely together and the legislation will include provisions designed to achieve this end. For example, the Parliamentary Commissioner himself viii be appointed ex officio as a member of the new Community Relations Board. 31. Members of Parliament will have no direct involvement in the investigation of individual cases under the new legislation but both the new Commissioner and the Community Relations Board will be required to submit annual reports to Parliament.
Implementation of Londonderry Area Plan 32. In order to set up the Londonderry Development Commission, the New Towns Amendment Bill had to be passed by Parliament. The Bill was introduced on 4th December 1968, and in the space of only a week had passed through all its Parliamentary stages, receiving Royal Assent on 12th December 1968. 33. On 5th February 1969, the Londonderry Area Designation Order (Northern Ireland) 1969 was made designating the area of land comprising the County Borough of Londonderry and the Rural District of Londonderry as an area to be developed in accordance with the New Towns Act (Northern Ireland) 1965, and on the same day the Londonderry Development Commission Order (Northern Ireland) 1969 was made establishing the Commission and appointing the members of it. 34. By the Order, Mr. Brian Morton, F.A.I., was appointed Chairman of the Commission and Mr. Stephen McGonagle, Vice-Chairman. Other members appointed to the Commission were- Mr. J. S. Agate, O.B.E., B.Sc., C. Eng., A..M.I.Mech.E., F.I.Plant.E., M.B.I.M.; Mr. J. T. Eaton, T.D., J.P.; Dr. R. F. Keys, JP.: Mr. J. B. McGuckian, B.Sc.(Econ.); Col. F. D. R. Shearer, O.B.E., T.D., DL.: Mr. T. Gallagher and Mr. R. C. Toland, J. P. The first meeting of the Commission was held on 7th February 1969, in Londonderry. On 3rd April 1969, it took over the municipal functions of Londonderry County Borough and Londonderry Rural District Council. The Commission has appointed Mr. G. J. Bryan, C.M.G., C.V.O.. O.B.E., M.C., as their General Manager. Mr. Bryan, who at the time of appointment was head of the Isle of Man Civil Service took up duty in mid-May 1969. 35. The area over which the Commissions responsibilities extend comprises some 2,200 acres in the City of Londonderry and 83,000 acres in the former Londonderry Rural District (known as Londonderry Urban District with effect from 2nd April 1969). The respective populations at present are approximately 56,000 and 25,000 and by 1981 it is expected that the total population of the combined area will be of the order of 100,000. 36. The prime task of the Commission will continue to be the rapid implementation of the Londonderry Area Plan which was prepared by the James Munce Partnership and was generally welcomed by the community in Londonderry when it was published early in 1968, well before any troubles began. 37. The Area Plan sets out two principal targets the provision of 10,000 new houses (to meet current and future needs) and 12,000 new jobs (6,000 in manufacturing industry and 6,000 in service industry) by the year 1981. It also outlines the provision of all the amenities, including roads, water and sewerage services, shopping, commercial, recreational, open space, cultural and educational facilities necessary for a modern, thriving city and surrounding area. 38. This programme will involve a total capital investment of £110 million (at todays prices) in the Plan period, and fully £77 million of this is expected to be spent in the next seven years. Three-quarters of the total capital investment will be in the public sector on houses, roads, factories, schools, re-development projects and other basic services. 39. Recognising that housing is one of Londonderrys most urgent and pressing needs, the Commission has given a top priority to this subject and a crash building programme has, in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Housing Trust, been instituted to provide over 3,500 new homes - one-third of the Area Plan target - during the next four years. Close on 1,000 of these houses are expected to be completed by the summer of next year. 40. The first 350 houses are already being built in the new residential area, planned to accommodate 15,000 - 20,000 people, which is being developed at Ballyarnett-Shantallow, north-west of the City, while the re-development projects for some of the older residential areas of the City are being pushed ahead. 41. While the Ministry of Commerce will continue to be responsible for encouraging new industrial development in the area, the Commission will have a vital role to play in improving and developing the areas attractions as a major centre for industrial expansion. 42. Already, excellent progress has been made in implementing the jobs target set down in the Area Plan, for in the past three years successful negotiations have been completed with no fewer than 12 new firms and these, plus a number of major expansion projects, including two new man-made fibre plants at Du Ponts Maydown complex, will provide a total of 4,500 jobs. Of these, 2,300 were negotiated in 1968 and this was one-third of the total jobs negotiated for the whole of Northern Ireland in that year. Approximately one-third of all Industrial Development expenditure in 1967-68 was for the Londonderry Area. Few other towns in the United Kingdom have experienced a higher rate of attraction of new industry in a comparable period. For too many years Londonderry has been over dependent on the shirt manufacturing industry, but with these latest projects and the firms which have already established factories in the area, Londonderry is well on the way to becoming a highly diversified industrial centre. 43. Almost one million square feet of factory space (apart from the Du Pont complex) has been or is being provided by the Ministry of Commerce and some of this will be available in the form of advance factories at the Government industrial estates at Maydown and Springtown. A major Government Training Centre, which is vital to the areas future industrial development needs, is now fully operational at Maydown. 44. The recent disturbances in Londonderry have clearly made the task of implementing the Area Plan much more difficult especially in relation to the attraction of new industrial investment to the area. Accordingly, the employment targets laid down in the Plan will be harder to attain. However, the Northern Ireland Government are determined that the great momentum built up before the disturbances will not he lost and will, along with the Londonderry Commission, press ahead urgently with the task of converting an imaginative Plan into reality.
Reform of Local Government including the Franchise 45. The statement of 22nd November 1968 made it clear that the question of the local government franchise was intimately bound up with the whole process of local government reform which began in March 1966, when the Northern Ireland Government announced their intention of opening discussions on the re-shaping of local government. Since March 1966, the reform of local government, including the question of the local government franchise, has been expedited as follows. 46. Firstly, talks were initiated between Government and representatives of the local authorities; and research and studies were initiated by Government into the many problems involved. 47. On 20th December 1967, following this preliminary stage, a White Paper: The Re-Shaping of Local Government; Statement of Aims (Cmd. 517) was presented to Parliament and was debated in the House of Commons on 21st February 1968. The Paper outlined in general terms the Governments proposals for a new local government system and invited discussion on them. 48. Intensive and detailed negotiations with the local authorities followed the White Paper; consultations also took place with many other interests. 49. While these discussions and negotiations were under way, the Government announced the following decisions: (1) to have a new local government system in operation by 1971 (announced in the 22nd November 1968, Government statement); (2) to abolish the company vote in local government (announced in the 22nd November 1968, Government statement); (3) to postpone the local government elections ordinarily due in 1970 until 1971 (announced in May 1969); (4) to introduce in time for these elections universal adult franchise, i.e., "one man. one vote" (announced in May 1969). 50. On 2nd July 1969, substantially earlier than the promised publication date of the autumn of 1969 and following a massive series of further discussions and negotiations, a second White Paper: The Re-Shaping of Local Government; Further Proposals (Cmd. 530) was presented to Parliament. This Paper sets out in more detail (including a map of the new Areas proposed) the Governments firm proposals for a new local government system. It embodies the undertakings mentioned in the previous paragraph, as well as an undertaking to appoint an independent statutory Commission to determine the electoral divisions of the new local government Areas. Public hearings will be instituted wherever and whenever required so that proposals for electoral divisions and objections to them may be openly discussed and reported. 51. Further and much more detailed and specific consultations have already been started with the local authorities and other interests on the basis of this second White Paper. The advice given in the Cameron Report, paragraph 231, in favour of the making of senior and principal appointments in local government by some central authority or of the creation of one unified public service to discharge the executive functions of both central and local government, raises a special difficulty in that, since 1966 the Government have been negotiating with local authorities on the assumption that they would continue to employ and discharge their own staff; and that there should merely be added an Interim Staff Commission to supervise the transfer of existing staff from the old to the new authorities. To adopt either of the two courses recommended in paragraph 231 would mean a radical change in policy and would inevitably entail a serious alteration in the power and standing of local Councils. The Government will earnestly examine the new situation created by this - obviously carefully considered - advice and refer it specially to one of the Working Parties mentioned in paragraph 61 below. 52. On 3rd July 1969, the Government also published a Green Paper which contains proposals for a new integrated structure for the Health and Welfare Services. Discussions with all the interests concerned are taking place on the basis of this Paper. 53. On 3rd July 1969, also, the Minister of Education announced that he was undertaking a review of the structure of the Education and Public Library Services. Discussions about this have already opened. Thc Governments time-table for local government reform remains firmly aimed at the election of new Area Councils under a new structure in the autumn of 1971. 54. The time-table requires that the new local government Areas should be finally settled before the end of 1969; that the electoral divisions of the new Areas should be determined by early 1971; that problems should be examined urgently by Working Parties and major legislation enacted in time for the 1971 target date.
Special Powers 55. Although the withdrawal of such of the Special Powers as were in conflict with the United Kingdoms international obligations was proposed in the statement of 22nd November 1968, the Northern Ireland Government have felt unable in the situation persisting since that time to withdraw any of the provisions of the Special Powers legislation. The soundness of this attitude was endorsed by the United Kingdom Prime Minister when he stated 1:
JOINT DECLARATION OF AUGUST 1969 56. Following a meeting at 10 Downing Street on 19th August 1969, a Declaration was issued by the United Kingdom Government and the Northern Ireland Government in these terms:
57. On 26th August 1969, the Government of Northern Ireland set up an Advisory Board consisting of Baron Hunt, C.B.E., D.S.O.. Sir James Robertson, C.B.E., Chief Constable of Glasgow and Mr. Robert Mark, Q.P.M., Deputy Commissioner of the London Metropolitan Police. Their Terms of Reference are "to examine the recruitment, organisation, structure and composition of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the Ulster Special Constabulary and their respective functions; and to recommend, as necessary, what changes are required to provide for the efficient enforcement of law and order in Northern Ireland." This Advisory Board started work immediately.
58. On 27th August 1969, the Parliament of Northern Ireland adopted a Notice of Motion put forward by the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland in the following terms:
The Tribunal was set up with wide powers under the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act 1921 and started work at once. The Chairman is Mr. Justice Scarman, a distinguished English High Court Judge and Chairman of the Law Commission; the other Members are Mr. George Lavery and Mr. William Marshall.
59. The British Home Secretary, the Rt. Hon. James Callaghan, M.P., paid a visit to Northern Ireland lasting from Wednesday, 27th, until Friday, 29th August 1969. In the course of carrying out a particularly strenuous programme Mr. Callaghan, and Lord Stonham who accompanied him, met a great many people and heard a wide range of views. The observation with which the Home Secretary opened his concluding conference with the press, radio and television may be usefully and properly quoted: "Let me first of all say a word about the background. I think the world should know that 95 per cent. of Northern Ireland is living in peace and that the affairs of the country are being conducted normally". The Northern Ireland Government wish to pay a most sincere tribute to the work and the achievements of the Home Secretary and Lord Stonham and look forward to a further visit or visits. They believe that much good has already resulted from the Home Secretarys endeavours and they readily acknowledge the value of the help and support which he - and the British Government - have given them. 60. A communique was issued by the Government of Northern Ireland on the evening of 29th August 1969 in the following terms: "(1) During his visit to Belfast, the Home Secretary, Mr. James Callaghan, was invited to attend two meetings with the Northern Ireland Cabinet, on 27th and 29th August: at the second meeting the Home Secretary was accompanied by the Minister of State, Home Office, Lord Stonham.
61. In accordance with the decision recorded in that communique, Working Parties consisting of officials of both Governments have already been set up and are at work.
62. Arrangements are in hand for a visit or visits by officials of the Ministry of Technology, the Board of Trade and the Department of Economic Affairs to assess economic and industrial prospects in the light of recent events.
63. On 18th August 1969, the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland called a large body of people in various aspects of public life to a Peace Conference at Stormont Castle. As a result a Committee, under the Chairmanship of Mr. Stephen McGonagle, a leading Trade Unionist, was set up and is meeting frequently. 64. The Prime Minister intends to designate a Minister For Community Relations. The precise nature and scope of his responsibilities will be announced to Parliament when it sits again. 65. The Government look forward to a steady improvement in community relations. This cannot be achieved by Government action alone; the many measures summarised in this Paper need to be complemented by the wise, courageous and persistent efforts of all responsible persons of every religious faith. As opportunity offers, representation for minorities on statutory hoards and advisory bodies will be increased, but appointments will continue to be on a basis of merit, experience and suitability, not primarily on a basis of religion. Willingness to accept appointment and to share responsibility must obviously continue to be factors as well.
66. The references at paragraphs 177 and 230 of the Cameron Report to a Report by County Inspector Baillie are references to a report made by County Inspector Baillie to the Inspector General of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and therefore an internal report within the Royal Ulster Constabulary. This was made available in full to the Cameron Commission by the Inspector General; and County Inspector Baillie himself appeared as a witness. On 3rd September 1969, the Inspector General announced that arising out of the conclusions and recommendations of County Inspector Baillie, he had preferred disciplinary charges against sixteen members of the Force. County Inspector Baillie had also recommended criminal proceedings against two policemen but the Attorney General decided not to direct such proceedings because of the terms of the general amnesty which had been granted and which embraced the times in question.
67. Parliament was recalled from Summer Recess on Thursday 14th August 1969 and again on Wednesday, 27th August 1969. Although Parliament stands adjourned until mid-October, the Government intend to recommend to the Speakers that both Houses be recalled on 30th September 1969 in order to debate the Cameron Report together with this Commentary; and to pursue expeditiously their continuing programme of reform including measures dealing with electoral law, ward boundaries and machinery for examining and redressing citizens grievances. 68. The Government of Northern Ireland have summarised in this Paper the measures they have already taken to meet legitimate demands and indicated some further lines of action. They have submitted their own actions and those of the police forces to the fullest and most independent scrutiny. They have sought, obtained and welcomed assistance from Her Majestys Government in the United Kingdom. They have adopted a time-table that has been recognised in the Parliaments of Westminster and Stormont to be reasonable; and they have given every evidence of their determination to maintain the momentum of reform. 69. They now ask for the active support and co-operation of every member of the community and for the rejection by every responsible body and every responsible person of the hostile, revolutionary and subversive elements which have been seeking to destroy the constitutional structure of the State - as has now been amply demonstrated by the Cameron Report.
Footnote: 1 House of Commons: Official Report: 22 May 1969, column 667.
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