§ Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons are now interned in Northern Ireland; how many have been released since March, 1972; how many of those released have subsequently been re-arrested for law-breaking; and how many persons have been detained since the imposition of direct rule.
§ Mr. David HowellThere are 167 men in internment in Northern Ireland. A total of 561 internees have been released since 30th March, 1972, and 12 ex-internees have been re-arrested and charged with offences connected with terrorism. Since 30th March, 1972, 83 detention orders have been signed.
§ Captain Orrasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the number of internees and detainees released since 24th March who have since been identified as engaging in terrorist activities or who have been detained a second time.
§ Mr. David HowellThe information asked for in the first part of the Question is not readily available and I will write to my hon. and gallant Friend as soon as possible. The answer to the second part of the Question is 13.