HC Deb 09 May 1972 vol 836 cc349-50W
Mr. Maginnis

asked the Minister of State for Defence how many cross-Border incidents occurred in each month during 1971 and each month from January to April, 1972.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

I regret that to provide a full answer would involve disproportionate effort. However, from 1st August, 1971, to 29th April, 1972, there have been some 221 attacks by the IRA in the Border areas mounted from the territory of the Republic of Ireland. These attacks include shootings, bombings, booby traps and armed robberies. The monthly breakdown of this figure is:

1971 Border incidents
August 12
September 16
October 30
November 51
December 27
1972
January 20
February 20
March 24
April 21
221

Mr. Maginnis

asked the Minister of State for Defence how many cross-Border roads which were cratered have now been reopened by unauthorised civilians.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

As at 4th May, 1972, of the 129 roads which had been closed by the security forces, 97 remained closed and 32 had been reopened.

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