§ 50. Mr. McMasterasked the Minister of State for Defence what steps are being taken by the security forces to identify the groups or bodies responsible for the recent increase in the use of explosives and incendiary devices in Northern Ireland; and what conclusions have been reached.
§ Lord BalnielEvery effort is being made by the security forces to detect those responsible for explosive and incendiary attacks, and to reduce the number of such attacks. New initiatives have been taken, but it would not be in the interests of the success of these measures to reveal details of them.
§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Minister of State for Defence what were the circumstances in which a patrol of 4th Field Squadron Royal Engineers pursued a car which turned and drove away from an Army road-block at Newry on Sunday night, 16th May; where the car was overtaken; what searches were carried out and with what results; and what arrests were made.
Lord BainielShortly after 7 p.m. on 16th May a car avoided passing through a road block in Newry. It was followed by a military patrol to a house south of the town, where the driver was seen to carry something inside. The driver of another car was prevented from leaving the house by the patrol. The Royal Ulster Constabulary was called and a search was carried out. Two two-way radios, a police truncheon and seven 22 rounds were found. I understand that the drivers of both cars were detained 341W for questioning by the police, but were later released.