§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the attacks mounted on Protestant homes in the city of Londonderry at the weekend; what action the Army took to prevent such an attack and to ward it off when it commenced; and what arrests were made.
§ Mr. David HowellI understand that between approximately 16.20 and 17.30 hours on 28th January a group of about 50 youths stoned the security forces' observation post at the Bishops' Gate in Londonderry. In the ensuing disturbances a shop in Bishop Street was burned out; five other premises in Bishop Street and one in Fountain Street were damaged by stones. Two cars belonging to people attending a demonstration at the time were burned out.
Two platoons of soldiers were in readiness to deal with disorders and they 47W reacted immediately. A water cannon was used and the crowd had dispersed by 17.30 hours. There were no arrests, but inquiries are continuing.