§ 21. Mr. William Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the murders committed by terrorists in Royal Ulster Constabulary division N since 1 March until the latest available date.
§ Mr. PriorI regret to say that in Royal Ulster Constabulary "N" division, which covers the Londonderry area, there have been eight such murders since 1 March. I am sure that hon. Members will join me in expressing sympathy for the relatives and friends of the victims.
This represents a serious increase in violence in the city. The police are taking all possible measures both to arrest those responsible and to prevent further attacks. Obviously it would not be sensible for me to go into details. However, police investigations so far have resulted in a number of persons being arrested and charged in connection with three of the murders. Police inquiries into the others are continuing. So far this year in RUC "N" division eight persons have been charged with murder and three with attempted murder.