§ 46. The Reverend Ian Paisleyasked the Minister of State for Defence what were the circumstances which led to the opening of a complaints centre in Tennent Street, Royal Ulster Constabulary Station, Shankill Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland; how many complaints were received; and by whom were these investigated.
§ Mr. Ian GilmourComplaints were made about the handling by the Security Forces of the riots which occurred in the Shankill district of Belfast between 26th and 28th September. A centre to record and investigate the complaints was opened and manned jointly by the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the Royal Military Police. Two hundred and seventeen complainants recorded statements, of which 12 were later retracted. Investigations are being carried out by the Special Investigation Branch of the Royal140W Military Police and by the Royal Ulster Constabulary.
§ 47. The Reverend Ian Paisleyasked the Minister of State for Defence why the Army authorities did not appoint a representative to attend an investigating inquiry set up by the people of the Shankill Road, Belfast, and presided over by a former Speaker of the House of Commons, Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Ian GilmourThe Northern Ireland Government decided that no official inquiry was to be held into the Shankill disturbances of 26th to 28th September. It was therefore inappropriate for the Army to take part in an unofficial inquiry.