§ 63. Mr. Roseasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the provocations of British troops by organised groups of extremists in Belfast.
§ Mr. RichardThere has been an increase of tension in parts of Belfast in recent weeks. Crowds have formed especially in the Shankill Road and the security forces have been subject to verbal abuse and on occasions the throwing of missiles.
§ 64. Mr. Roseasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will give orders to British troops to prevent the formation of mobs in Belfast and to afford special protection to Unity Flats.
§ Mr. RichardI am satisfied that the security forces in Belfast are taking all necessary steps to preserve law and order348W in every part of the city, and I do not believe that orders of the kind referred to would be appropriate.