§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland under what circumstances the troops watching the unblocking of the roads on Sunday 26th October were attacked by a crowd of stone-throwing youths; what action the troops took and what arrests were made.
§ Mr. Merlyn Rees,pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 30th October 1975; Vol. 898, c. 616], gave the following information:
At 3 p.m. on 26th October stones were thrown at soldiers detailed to observe a group of about 50 civilians who were attempting to reopen a border crossing about three miles north-west of Cross-maglen. These soldiers, together with a patrol who joined them, withdrew by helicopter to avoid a confrontation which in the circumstances could have caused unnecessary casualties. No arrests have yet been made.
§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received from the South Armagh area about the security situation; what action he has taken; and what further action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. Merlyn Rees,pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 30th October 1975; Vol. 898, c. 617], gave the following information:
The hon. Member for Armagh (Mr. McCusker) has made representations to me about the security situation in his constituency. On 29th August and 2nd September he came with deputations to discuss security in South Armagh, and I have also received a number of letters from local people. The security forces have to take account of the situation on 56W the ground and all the considerations raised are borne in mind.