§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland under what circumstances a car was parked on Bann Bridge at Portglenone on the night of 27th October; and what action was taken by the security forces.
§ Mr. Merlyn Rees,pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 30th October 1975; Vol. 898, c. 617–8], gave the following information:
Shortly after 9 p.m. a private car was hijacked by two armed men about two miles from Portglenone. The driver of the vehicle was ordered by the armed men to drive it to Portglenone and park it on the Bann Bridge. He complied with these instructions and then raised the alarm. The area was cleared and an Army bomb disposal expert called to the scene. He set fire to the vehicle, destroying it. Because it was destroyed it was not possible to determine whether or not it contained explosives.