Roy Mason, Secretary of State for N. Ireland, 1976 – 1979: ‘Criminalisation’ & ‘Ulsterisation’
Took a firm hand against Unionist threats of strike action in 1977 – deploying British Army & RUC to protect power stations etc.
The Prevention of Terrorism Act (1974), allowed Mason to take a much stronger stance against the IRA
Interrogation and ‘Criminalisation’ of IRA activity & suspects led to a dramatic drop in deaths in Northern Ireland.
Increased state spending for firms such as Haarland & Wolfe & DeLorean plant.
Increased public sector employment and gave generous social funding.
