§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland why the security forces permitted the Provisional IRA to operate traffic control points in Toomebridge, County Antrim, on Easter Monday 1976.
§ Mr. Merlyn Rees,pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 5th May 1976; Vol. 910, c. 387], gave the following information
No illegal traffic control points at Toomebridge on Easter Monday were known to the security forces. If the hon. Member has evidence of illegal action he should report it to the police. I hope that he is not basing his allegation on the Toomebridge Agricultural Show and Fair, attended by about 3,000 people, where stewards did perfectly legitimately direct traffic to car parks.