§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Minister of State for Defence under what circumstances Warrant Officer Bernard Adams was shot at the rifle range at Letterbreen, Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, on Wednesday, 17th May, 1972; what was the extent of his injuries; and if he is satisfied with the safety precautions at the range.
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithWarrant Officer Adams was accidentally shot whilst taking part in a demonstration training 289W exercise. He has lost his left forearm and one kidney.
The incident is being investigated, but meanwhile I have no reason to doubt the adequacy of safety arrangements at the range.
§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Minister of Defence under what circumstances Sapper Ronald Hurst of the 50th Field Squadron, Royal Engineers, was murdered by the Irish Republican Army in Crossmaglen, Northern Ireland, on Wednesday, 17th May, 1972; what duties he was carrying out when he was murdered; from what direction the shots came; what type of weapon was used; if the fire was returned; and what arrests were made.
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithAt about 7.30 p.m., about 10 rounds of automatic fire were directed at a party of Engineers working on the defences of the Army post at the RUC Station, Crossmaglen.
The shots came from the direction of the town square, some 50 yards away. Sapper Hurst was killed and another soldier was slightly wounded.
The gunmen was not seen; fire was not returned and no arrests were made by the Army at the time.