HC Deb 18 June 1971 vol 819 cc146-7W
Mr. McManus

asked the Minister of State for Defence how many troops and members of the Ulster Defence Regiment were deployed in the security arrangements for the Dungiven parade on Sunday, 13th June.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

Seven companies of regular soldiers. Members of the Ulster Defence Regiment were not involved.

Mr. McManus

asked the Minister of State for Defence what was the cost of the security operation mounted for the Dun-given parade on Sunday, 13th June.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

The extra costs falling on defence Votes amounted to about £500.

Mr. McManus

asked the Minister of State for Defence how many rubber bullets and C.S. gas containers were fired by the Army at the marchers in Dungiven on Sunday, 13th June, 1971.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Antrim, North (Rev. Ian Paisley) on 17th June.—[Vol. 819, c.121.]

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Minister of State for Defence under what circumstances the Army was called out late on the night of Monday, 14th June, in Londonderry to deal with a gang from the Bogside who smashed plate-glass windows in certain stores; what action the troops took when they were stoned; and what arrests were made.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

A small, elusive gang of hooligans engaged in hit-and-run vandalism was harried by Army patrols. No arrests were made.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Minister of State for Defence under what circumstances an Army explosives expert was called to an office block in Northumberland Street and Falls Road, Belfast, on Monday evening, 14th June, after an explosion; what were the findings of his investigation; what searches resulted; and what arrests were made.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

An Army technical expert carried out a forensic and security examination which revealed that the explosion was caused by a 10 lb. charge.

No arrests have so far been made.

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