§ 88. Lieut.-Colonel Grosvenorasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to make a statement on the recent act of armed aggression across the 238W Northern Ireland border in County Fermanagh; and what positive action Her Majesty's Government are proposing to take to prevent any further attacks of this nature.
§ Major Lloyd-GeorgeThe maintenance of law and order within the limits of Northern Ireland is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Government.
I am informed that the Royal Ulster Constabulary station at Rosslea, County Fermanagh, was attacked at 5.40 a.m. on the morning of 26th November. A large hole was blown in the wall of the guard room and the constable on duty there was severely injured. The serjeant in charge of the station and his party rushed from their quarters into the station. There was heavy automatic fire from the attackers, which was returned by the officers, who behaved with the utmost gallantry. The attackers quickly fled and were pursued to the Eire border.
After the attack a sub-machine gun, a carbine, some civilian gas masks, a number of hand grenades filled with gelignite and other articles were found in the station, or its immediate neighbourhood.
I am informed that the Northern Ireland Government are taking measures designed to hinder raids across the border.