Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if any complaints have been made against the Londonderry Harbour Commissioners of discrimination on grounds of religion of the dock labour force.
§ Mr. ConcannonI am not aware of any complaint.
§ Mr. McCuskerasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many houses were searched in Lurgan following the killing of a member of the RUC in Lurgan on Thursday 24th February;
(2) if he will make a statement about the incident in Lurgan, County Armagh, on Thursday 24th February which resulted in the death of a policeman and the wounding of two others:
(3) how many people were arrested and questioned concerning the killing of a member of the RUC in Lurgan on Thursday 24th February.
§ Mr. MasonInspector H. Cobb of the RUC was shot dead, and two constables were wounded as they prepared to open the security barrier at Church Place, Lurgan, on the morning of Thursday 24th February. Three masked men, who had approached from the direction of a76W derelict shop in Market Street, opened fire on the officers from close range. Twenty-nine shots were fired by the gunmen who escaped on foot in the direction of Wellington Street.
Police inquiries into the crime are being vigorously pursued. In an intensive follow-up operation a total of 62 houses were searched in the area. Fourteen people have so far been arrested and are assisting the police with their inquiries. Responsibility for the attack has been claimed by the Provisional IRA. Local security arrangements are under close review and the barrier has remained shut since the incident.