HC Deb 19 July 1976 vol 915 cc366-7W
Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the attack by the Provisional IRA from the territory of Irish Republic on a Northern Ireland boat carrying out security patrol duty on Carlingford Lough; how many shots were fired at the vessel; and how many bullets did damage in Warrenpoint.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

At 6.40 p.m. on Tuesday 13th July 1976 100 to 200 autotomatic shots were fired at HMS "Vigilant" at Warrenpoint Docks County Down from a position in the Republic of Ireland.

Fire was returned and appropriate follow up measures were taken by the security forces on both sides of the border. No arrests have yet been made, but investigations into the incident are continuing.

One civilian in Warrenpoint received minor injuries from wood splinters caused by one of the shots, several buildings and cars were hit by bullets and shop windows were broken.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) under what circumstances a police patrol car was fired on near the Rambler's Inn, Antrim; what type of weapon was used; if the fire was returned; and what arrests have been made;

(2) under what circumstances the Rambler's Inn was attacked by gunmen; how many terrorists were engaged in this attack; how many persons were murdered; how many were wounded; and what were the nature of these wounds;

(3) what type of weapons were used by the terrorists in their attack on the Rambler's Inn, Antrim; how many bullets were fired; how long after the attack the RUC arrived on the scene; and what arrests have been made.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.