§ Mr. McManusasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what was the number of parades and marches held in the Belfast area between May 1972 and February 1973 inclusive; and by which bodies they were organised;
(2) what was the number of marches and parades which were banned or restricted under the Public Order Acts in the period between May 1972 and February 1973; and by whom they were organised;
(3) what were the numbers of occasions when para-military uniform was worn at parades and marches in the period between May 1972 and February 1973; by whom the parades were organised; and how many prosecutions have arisen out of such parades.
§ Mr. David HowellBetween 1st May 1972 and 28th February 1973, 330 parades and marches were held in the Belfast area. In Northern Ireland as a whole over the same period 15 marches or parades were banned or restricted under the Public Order Acts (Northern Ireland), and para-military uniform was worn at 41 parades or marches. No prosecutions arose from the latter.
The full information requested is not readily available but I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.