§ 8. Mr. M. O'Neillasked the Secretary of State for War the purpose of the mobilisation of British Armed Forces in Ulster on the 5th and 6th of March; and what action was taken by these Forces.
§ Mr. HeadNo such mobilisation took place, nor was the British Army called upon to do more than its normal internal security duties.
§ Mr. O'NeillIs the Secretary of State for War aware that it was authoritatively stated that in order to protect British military installations the Six County Government ordered the mobilisation of B men, with orders to fire on any motorist who failed to stop within a reasonable distance, and as a result of that one man was shot dead and two others were seriously injured? Will he indicate why it was necessary for the Army to shelter behind the backs of the B men?
§ Mr. O'NeillWho shot them?
§ Mr. Head—nor was there any mobilisation. As to an authoritative statement, I presume that the hon. Member is referring to the Press. All I can tell him is what I said in my original answer. There was no mobilisation, and no special orders of that kind were given to the Army.
§ Sir D. SavoryIs not it necessary for the police, and even also for the military forces, when required, to protect the Border, in view of the raids on Armagh and Omagh, followed by serious wounding of the garrison?