§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will make a statement about the A Squad and the efforts of the Royal Ulster Constabulary
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Week ending By the Secretary of State By the Detention Appeal Tribunal By Commissioners on first hearing or on review Total Number of ICOs made Number of DOs made Total number in Detention 30th December 1974 … 3 — — 3 — — 562 6th January 1975 … 21 — — 21 — — 541 13th January 1975 … 3 4 — 7 — 3* 534 20th January 1975 … 25 — 2 27 — 19* 506 27th January 1975 … — — 1 1 — — 505 3rd February 1975 … 1 — 1 2 — — 503 10th February 1975 … 8 4 2 14 11 7* 500 17th February 1975 … — — 3 3 — — 497 24th February 1975 … — — 1 1 — — 496 3rd March 1975 … 18 — 2 20 — 10* 476 10th March 1975 … 12 — — 12 — _ 464 17th March 1975 … 20 1 2 23 — — 441 24th March 1975 … 15 — — 15 — — 426 31st March 1975 … 56 — — 56 — — 371 7th April 1975 … — — — — — — 371 14th April 1975 … 6 — — 6 — — 365 21st April 1975 … 19 — — 19 — — 346 28th April 1975 … 13 — — 13 — — 333 5th May 1975 … 12 — 2 14 — 2* 319 12th May 1975 … 15 — — 15 — — 304 19th May 1975 … — — — — — — 304 as a whole in the investigation and prevention of assassinations.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesThe "A" Squad of the Royal Ulster Constabulary was set up by the Chief Constable in July 1975 and it operates under his control. Its purpose is to provide a team of experienced detectives to assist Divisional CID officers in the investigation of assassinations and the prevention of further loss of life.
The Royal Ulster Constabulary is having increasing success in tracking down those responsible for murders in the community. Since 1st January 1975, out of a total of 907 people charged with serious security type offences, 95 persons have been charged with murder, 68 with attempted murder and 258 travelling gunmen have been apprehended.