HC Deb 24 February 1972 vol 831 cc361-3W
The Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Minister of State for Defence what representations he has received from the Presbyterian Church in Strabane, Northern Ireland, about the state of security in that town; and what steps he is now going to take to ensure the immediate restoration of law and order.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

I have received no such representations from the Presbyterian Church in Strabane, although I am aware of the level of violence and unrest in the town. The Army increased its presence there in December. Efforts against the terrorists, who are the source of the trouble, have been increased; the difficulty is that this is one of the areas where much of the terrorist activity is mounted from across the border.

The Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Minister of State for Defence under what circumstances Sergeant-Major Connell was shot in the head by an Irish Republican Army sniper in Londonderry on Saturday, 19th February; what sort of gun was used; whether the fire was returned; what part of the city the sniper used for his attack; and what arrest was made.

Mr. Johnson Smith

At about 2.40 p.m. a single shot was fired from the Bogside area at an Army observation post on top of a tall office building. Sergeant-Major Connell was hit, the bullet passing through his head, and he is very seriously ill. The weapon used is believed to have been a high-velocity rifle, although the bullet has not been recovered. No fire was returned and no arrest was made by the Army at the time.

The Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Minister of State for Defence under what circumstances the Army was called to examine a wrecked car near the Castlereagh Road, Belfast, on Monday, 21st February; and what was the result of their examination.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

At about 3.15 p.m. troops were called when an explosion wrecked a car 100 yards east of the Castlereagh roundabout. The car was found to have been stolen and its four occupants had been killed. The explosion had been caused by an estimated 15 to 20 lbs. of explosive, inside the car. During a search of the wreckage, two pistols were found.

The Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Minister of State for Defence under what circumstances the Army returned fire on Sunday, 20th February in the City of Londonderry; and with what result.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

During the day, there were 17 incidents of single or automatic shots being fired at troops in Londonderry. Soldiers fired at ten incidents, the most serious of which occurred at about 5.30 p.m. and lasted for about 15 minutes. On that occasion, troops deployed in the Great James Street and William Street areas, during a period of rioting in William Street, came under fire from the Clarendon Street/Princes Street junction and from St. James Street. Thirty single shots and several bursts of automatic fire were directed at the troops, but no casualties were sustained. The troops returned fire from eight points, and two terrorists are believed to have been hit.

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