HC Deb 07 July 1971 vol 820 cc417-8W
Miss Devlin

asked the Minister of State for Defence what compensation has been paid or is contemplated to the relatives of Mr. Bernard Watt, who was killed by the British Army in Belfast on 6th February; and on what basis the compensation is assessed.

Mr. Lambton

There is no trace of any claim against the Ministry of Defence arising out of the death of Mr. Watt.

Miss Devlin

asked the Minister of State for Defence under what circumstances, and on whose instructions, British soldiers stopped an ambulance going to the assistance of an injured civilian in the Crumlin Road area of Belfast on 6th February; whether there have been other cases of hospital authorities being hindered in reaching and treating wounded civilians; and whether he will ensure that this does not happen again.

Mr. Lambton

This matter has been discussed between the military authorities in Northern Ireland and the Order of Malta Ambulance Corps (Northern Ireland Area). As a result of these discussions the following joint statement was agreedThe Knight Pro-Chancellor of the Irish Association of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta accompanied by some Officers of the Order's Ambulance Corps (Northern Ireland Area) visited H.Q. Northern Ireland on 21st February to explain the rôle of the Order and in particular the work of its ambulance service in Northern Ireland. They drew attention to the absolute requirement of the Order that its members should act in a strictly non-political and humanitarian way with complete impartiality and conformity with the law. As regards the Order's ambulance service, this had operated in Belfast for some thirty years. Here and elsewhere in Northern Ireland the membership was non-sectarian and the service was available to all without discrimination. In view of reports circulating to the effect that the Order's ambulances were operating in a clandestine way they wished to emphasise that these reports were without foundation, and in particular to emphasise that strict control was maintained over all journeys including the closest conformity with legal requirements. The military authorities at H.Q. Northern Ireland took note of the points made and undertook to consider ways of improving co-operation between Service units and the Order ".

Suitable guidance has been given to Service units to ensure the necessary co-operation with the Order; but no absolute immunity from search may be given to ambulances.