§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland why the Army and Royal Ulster Constabulary were withdrawn from the Creggan Estate, Londonderry, on Sunday 29th January; why Provisional IRA road stops were permitted; and why IRA men armed with pistols, an Armalite rifle and a machine gun were able to operate unchallenged.
§ Mr. MasonThe Provisional IRA mounted a staged demonstration for publicity purposes in the Creggan Estate, Londonderry, on 29th January. It was carried out hastily and out of sight of the security forces. Police and Army personnel had not been withdrawn from the area. Immediately reports of the incident were received they took action, including the dispatch of a helicopter to the scene, but the gunmen had already fled. The whole incident was quickly over.
Police inquiries are being pursued and steps are being taken to interview those believed to have been involved.