§ 15. Mr. Carsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the police investigation into the incident in North Belfast on 12th April 1976 when it was alleged that two young Roman Catholic boys were attacked and set on fire.
§ Mr. MoyleI understand from the Chief Constable that on 13th April two boys aged 8 and 13 years were admitted to Mater Hospital Belfast suffering from bums to the face, hands and chest. The boys alleged that they had been attacked by a gang of youths in the Oldpark district and that petrol had been thrown over them and ignited. Police inquiries into the incident are continuing.
§ Mr. CarsonDoes the hon. Gentleman share my hope that the news media will give at least as much prominence to the fact that it has been proved that there was no such outrage, which led to reports that created a deplorable impression throughout the country? Will he confirm that forensic reports have proved that no liquid was poured on these boys?
§ Mr. MoyleI cannot comment on the hon. Gentleman's second point, because this matter is in the hands of the RUC and investigations are continuing. If my hopes about the news media were borne out on ail occasions, the situation in Northern Ireland might be very different.