23. Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the security position in Northern Ireland.
24. Sir John Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the security of the Province.
Mr. PriorSince I last answered questions on 21 July, seven members of the RUC, two members of the UDR, two Regular Army soldiers, one prison officer and 13 civilians have died in incidents arising from the security situation in Northern Ireland. As the House will no doubt be aware, three of these RUC officers were killed on Friday and Saturday last: two in Jordanstown polytechnic, in an explosion claimed by the Provisional IRA which also injured 13 policemen and 20 civilians, while the third officer was gunned down outside his own home; allegedly by the Provisional IRA. The same weekend, a car bomb in Armagh injured 13 people. These incidents illustrate yet again the terrorists ruthlessness and complete disregard for life.
It will be of little comfort to families and friends who have suffered such tragic losses to learn that the total number of deaths so far this year—59—is the lowest for any comparable period since 1970, but that is a fact of which the House will wish to be aware.
235WThe need for vigilance clearly continues, and the security forces remain determined to deter acts of violence as well as to bring to justice those who carry them out. So far this year 520 people have been charged with terrorist-type offences, including 55 with murder and 53 with attempted murder. 185 weapons, over 34,262 rounds of ammunition and 3,762 lbs of explosives have been recovered in the same period.