HC Deb 25 May 1972 vol 837 cc447-8W
56. Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of State for Defence what is the outcome of Government considerations of making provision for compensation for the relatives of men who were killed in Londonderry on 30th January last who were found innocent by the Widgery Report.

Lord Balniel

No decisions have yet been reached on the 17 claims received.

57. Miss Devlin

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the shooting of 16-year-old Manus Deery on the night of Friday, 19th May by a member of the Army.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

At about 8.30 p.m. two soldiers in an observation post saw a person holding a rifle in Meenan Square. One of the soldiers fired an aimed shot at him. A crowd quickly gathered at the scene, and the soldiers were not able to see what happened to the gunman. Later that evening, Manus Deery died shortly after admission to Altnagelvin Hospital.

58. Miss Devlin

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the extent and purpose of sniping by the Army into the Bogside area of Londonderry.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

Troops may fire from cover if the circumstances justify opening fire, in Londonderry or elsewhere in Northern Ireland.

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