HC Deb 09 March 1973 vol 852 cc225-6W
Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many men and women were engaged in the removal of an IRA prisoner from the Lagan Valley Hospital on 29th December 1972.

Mr. David Howell

Information available to the security forces indicates that seven men and two women took part.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what were the rank and experience of the security officers engaged in the guarding of the IRA prisoner who was removed from the Lagan Valley Hospital on 29th December 1972;

(2) what type of firearms were provided for the guards of the IRA prisoner who was removed from the Lagan Valley Hospital on 29th December 1972.

Mr. David Howell

It would not be in the public interest to disclose this information.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what efforts have been made to recapture the IRA prisoner who was removed from the Lagan Valley Hospital on 29th December 1972; and with what success.

Mr. David Howell

Every effort has been made to recapture this prisoner, as yet without success.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the name of the IRA prisoner who was removed from the Lagan Valley Hospital on 29th December 1972; and why he was being held in the Maze Prison.

Mr. David Howell

James Brown. He was being detained under an interim custody order made under Article 4(1) of the Detention of Terrorists (Northern Ireland) Order 1972.