§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Minister of State for Defence (1) under what circumstances the Army were called to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, on the morning of 16th July after Irish Republican Army terrorists, armed with machine guns, had entered the hospital and carried off a patient undergoing treatment therein; who this patient was; whether he had previously been shot by the Army; if he was a member of the Irish Republican Army; and how he was guarded;
(2) at what time on 16th July the Royal Victoria Hospital was invaded by Irish Republican Army terrorists; how soon the Army was on the scene; how quickly the area was sealed off; what 265W searches resulted; and what arrests were made;
(3) if he is satisfied with the security arrangements at Her Majesty's Prison Cumber Road, Belfast, where some Irish Republican Army leaders are imprisoned; and if he will make a statement.
(4) if he is satisfied with the arrangements made by the Army to prevent Irish Republican Army terrorists from securing the release of their wounded from hospitals in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Ian GilmourArrangements for safeguarding those in civil custody in Northern Ireland are a matter for the civil authority. Within 10 minutes of the removal of a patient from the hospital a cordon was set up by the security forces and a search instituted. No arrests were made at the time. The patient had sustained a gunshot wound whilst attacking an Army patrol.
§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Minister of State for Defence (1) how many shots have been fired at the Army by terrorists in Londonderry during the past 14 days; what was the type of gun used; what injuries were inflicted; how many times and in what circumstances the Army returned fire; and with what effect;
(2) how many shots have been fired at the Army by terrorists during the past 14 days in Belfast; what type of gun these terrorists used; what injuries they inflicted; how many times and in what circumstances the Army returned fire; and with what effect.
§ Mr. Ian GilmourDuring the period 4th–19th July, there were over 20 incidents in Londonderry in which some 175 shots were fired at the Army; and at least nine similar incidents in Belfast. Two soldiers were killed and two soldiers were admitted to hospital with gunshot wounds.
The Army fired on 10 occasions; the total number of shots fired was 35.
In view of inquiries being carried out by the civil authorities it would be inappropriate to give further details at this stage.
§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will give an 266W assurance that members of Her Majesty's Forces serving in Northern Ireland will be permitted to join and participate in the religious orders of their choice, provided that such participation is compatible with their security duties and that their religious liberty will in no way be curtailed.
§ Mr. Ian GilmourYes.
§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Minister of State for Defence how many members of the British Army serving in Northern Ireland are members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians; and whether it is the policy of his Department to permit soldiers serving in Northern Ireland to become members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithI cannot say; this is a matter for the individual Serviceman.