§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he is satisfied with the co-operation given to the security forces by the staff of the Mater Hospital, Belfast; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChannonThe police are investigating the circumstances of the escape which my hon. Friend has in mind and my righthon. Friend will consider the matter further in the light of the outcome of these investigations.
§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in what circumstances Robert Campbell, a convicted Irish Republican Army robber, allegedly weak after a 20-day hunger strike, was transferred to the Mater Hospital, Belfast; and how he was able to escape from the Mater Hospital within a short time of his arrival there.
§ Mr. ChannonAt 12.45 a.m. on 6th June, 1972, Robert John Campbell, a 377W long-term prisoner serving 11 years for armed robbery, who had been on hunger strike since 15th May was transferred on medical advice from Crumlin Road prison to the intensive care unit of the Mater Hospital. A joint Army and police guard was set up outside the ward. At 8.12 a.m. on 7th June a nursing sister reported that Campbell was missing from the ward. It is believed he escaped through the window. Search and check procedures were put into operation immediately without success. The police are inquiring into the circumstances of the escape.
§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will institute a public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the escape of a convicted Irish Republican Army prisoner, Robert Campbell, who had been sentenced to 11 years for armed robbery, from the Mater Hospital, Belfast, on 7th June, 1972.
§ Mr. ChannonNo.