§ Mr. Duffyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many detainees he has released during the cease-fire; and how many of these were Loyalists and how many Republicans.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesSince 22nd December I have released 247 detainees, of whom 19 were Loyalist and 228 Republican; a further 25 have been released by the commissioners or Detention Appeal Tribunal, of whom 10 were Loyalist and 15 Republican. In accordance with my policy, expressed in my statements to the House on 14th January, 5th February, 11th February and 12th March 1975, I have today released under the powers vested in me in the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act, 1973, a further eight detainees.