HC Deb 30 October 1975 vol 898 cc616-7W
Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many cross-border roads in South Armagh were blocked up by the Army after the murder of the Orangemen in that area; and what was the total cost of the blocking up operations.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

19 since 1st September 1975. The cost is a matter for the Secretary of State for Defence.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the names of the cross-border roads blocked up by the Army in the South Armagh area.

Mr. Merlyn Rees:

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Epping Forest (Mr. Biggs-Davison) on 16th October 1975.—[Vol. 897, c. 796]. Since September the following roads have been closed in South Armagh:

  • Drumlougher to Drumacon.
  • Silverbridge to Lurgankeel.
  • Crossmaglen to Longfield.
  • Dowfalls Bridge to Edenakill.
  • Ballsmill to Drumbilla.
  • Forkill to Dundalk.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland by whose direction the troops were withdrawn from the South Armagh area in order to permit Republicans to remove the obstacles on these blocked-up roads and to reopen them to the IRA gunmen and bombers.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked 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.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action the Army took when prior notice was given in a Press advertisement that Republicans would at a certain time start unblocking cross-border roads in South Armagh.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what number of arrests have been made in the South Armagh area during the past three months; and what charges have been preferred.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked 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

I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what policy the Army is now following in the South Armagh area; and when this policy was adopted.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Security policy in South Armagh, as elsewhere in Northern Ireland, is that the actions of the security forces will be related to the level of violence. In response to a high level of violence in South Armagh there has been increased police and Army deployment, intensive patrolling of likely trouble spots, and the greater use of observation posts, vehicle checkpoints and quick reaction patrols.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what arrests were made after the murder of the South Armagh Orangemen.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

None yet. Inquiries are continuing.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the number of terrorist incidents which have taken place in the South Armagh area since his negotiated cease-fire with the Provisional IRA.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

There have been no negotiations with the PIRA. Since 10th February 1975 there have been 42 bombings and 55 shootings in South Armagh.

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