HC Deb 26 March 1976 vol 908 cc327-8W
Mr. Wm. Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the 15 customary parades to which he refers in his Written Answer given to the hon. Member for Londonderry on 11th March 1976; how many times each parade is known to have taken place previously; and if any of these parades have not been held in some years.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

The customary parades held during the 12 months prior to 1st March 1976 were12th of July Parade in Belfast. Easter Parades in Belfast (2 parades). Easter Parades in Cullyhanna. Easter Parades in Crossmagien. Easter Parades in Forkhill. Easter Parades in Camlough. Easter Parades in Mullaghbane. Easter Parades in Carrickmore. 1 lth of July Parade in Kilkeel. Parade to the Whiterock Orange Hall in Belfast. Apprentice Boys' Parades in Londonderry (2 parades). The Royal Black Preceptory Parade in Londonderry. The Commemoration of "Bloody Sunday Parade in Londonderry.

Information as to the number of occasions on which these marches have been held is not readily available, but for the most part they go back many years. Many marches were not, of course, held in 1969 due to the ban then in force.