§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the shooting by the Army of William Bell and another man in the Ardoyne, Belfast, on 5th December, 1972; and what proposals he has for compensation.
§ Mr. BlakerIn answer to the first part of the Question, I have nothing to add to my answer to a similar question yesterday by the hon. Member for Antrim, North (Rev. Ian Paisley). If any claims for compensation are received they will be carefully considered.—[Vol. 847, c.464–5.]
§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will make a statement about the reduction in the strength of B Company of the Ulster Defence Regiment stationed at Newtownards from 200 to 120 men.
§ Mr. BlakerIn January, 1972, in order to assist the expansion of the Ulster Defence Regiment, part of 7 UDR was transferred to a new battalion, 10 UDR. In the process B Company, 7 UDR, was split in two with the formation of C Company, 7 UDR. The total strength of the two companies in the area is higher than the original strength, but my hon. Friend will not expect me to give details.