§ Mr. Hugh Jenkinsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will ascertain from the Northern Ireland Government, of those persons arrested by the Army in Northern Ireland since internment, how many were released within 48 hours, how many are still detained, and how many have been charged with any offence;
(2) how many persons have now been arrested in Northern Ireland by the Army since internment; how many of these have been male and how many female; and how many have been under 16 years of age, how many between 16 and 18 years of age and how many over 18 years of age.
§ Mr. SharplesI am informed that between 9th August and 15th December, 1,590 persons, all males, have been arrested in Northern Ireland under the Civil Authorities (Special Powers) Act (Northern Ireland), 1922. Most of these arrests were effected by the Army, acting in aid of the civil power. 868 of those arrested were released within 48 hours. 620 were being held in custody on 15th December. Of these, 18 have been charged with criminal offences. The Northern Ireland Government have been unable to provide at short notice an analysis of the ages of those arrested, but I will send the hon. Member the figures as soon as they are available.