§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many of the 57 persons arrested and of the 184 whose names were taken during violent incidents in Northern Ireland on 3rd March 1986 have so far been prosecuted; how many cases are pending; what penalties have so far been imposed by the courts; and whether there have been acquittals.
Viscount Long: The figures to which the noble Lord refers were preliminary ones provided by the Royal Ulster Constabulary on 4th March. They have since been revised by the police and show that a total of 455 people were arrested or had their names noted on 3rd March. In 12 cases the police decided that no further action should be taken; 18 people have been cautioned by the police and 19 have been convicted in court. There have been no acquittals: 406 cases are still under investigation, or are being considered by the Director of Public Prosecutions, or are before the courts.
Further information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.