HC Deb 23 May 1973 vol 857 cc80-1W
28. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether, having regard to the murders by bombing outside the Knock-na-moe Hotel at Omagh, County Tyrone, he is satisfied that sufficient rules have been laid down for the protection of Her Majesty's Forces when away from their units for recreational purposes; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Blaker

This vicious booby trap device outside the Knock-na-moe Castle Hotel on 18th May cost the lives of four NCOs, seriously injured another, and could well have killed many civilians.

It reinforced the need for constant vigilance, but I believe that the rules for off-duty soldiers are already as stringent as is reasonable in the circumstances in Northern Ireland.