§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Minister of State for Defence what report he has received from the Army as to the circum- 394W stances under which an Ulster Defence Regiment officer's home in Armagh was attacked on the night of 3rd February. 1972, and as to the damage done.
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithAfter being attacked with petrol bombs on 1st February, the house was given a full-time guard by the Ulster Defence Regiment On 3rd February, the house was fired upon by two gunmen, who also fired about eight rounds at an Army patrol which was called to the scene. No casualties were sustained but the house was severely damaged as a result of the two attacks.
§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Minister of State for Defence under what circumstances an Ulster Defence Regiment's land rover was ambushed in Armagh by Irish Republican Army terrorists on the night of 3rd February; how many bullets struck the land rover; and what damage was done.
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithAt about 11.30 p.m. two Ulster Defence Regiment land rovers were returning from the Drumsill Hotel, where there had been a bomb hoax, when the rear vehicle came under fire from the roadside. About 20 rounds of automatic fire were directed at it and 13 hit the vehicle. No serious damage was caused and no casualties were sustained.
§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Minister of State for Defence how many Irish Republican Army terrorist incidents involving members of the security forces took place in Northern Ireland in January, 1972; and what was the figure for January, 1971.
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithI regret that the only figures which can be provided without disproportionate effort are those concerning terrorist shooting incidents involving the security forces. In January, 1971, these numbered four; in January, 1972, 315. Statistics on explosive incidents do not allow a ready distinction to be made between those directly involving the security forces and those directed against civilian targets.