§ 21. Mr. Goodhartasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will make a further statement about the security situation in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. MasonThe last few weeks have been a relatively quiet period. But attacks on the security forces continue, as do attacks on property. The security forces continue to meet with success in their task of arresting criminals and bringing them before the courts, and the terrorists are coming under increasing pressure. So far this year 663 people have been charged with terrorist crimes, including no fewer than 54 for murder and 75 for attempted564W murder; 163 people have been charged with firearms offences and 69 with explosives offences.