HC Deb 13 November 1979 vol 973 cc554-6W
Mr. Wm. Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if he will list the weapons used by the Irish Republican Army gang in Carrickmore, County Tyrone, on 17 October;

(2) what time the armed Irish Republican Army gang were seen in Carrick-more, County Tyrone, on 17 October.

(3) how many armed men were seen in Carrickmore, County Tyrone, and its immediate area on 17 October.

Mr. Humphrey Atkins

The incident in which armed terrorists were alleged to have been filmed by a BBC television camera crew in the evening of 17 October is under investigation by the police. The detailed information asked for by the hon. Member is not yet available.

Mr. Wm. Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the security forces in Northern Ireland first learned of the incident involving the British Broadcasting Corporation and the Irish Republican Army in Carrickmore, County Tyrone, on 17 October; and what action was taken, and when.

Mr. Humphrey Atkins

News of the incident reached the security forces on 18 October. An investigation was immediately put in hand.

Mr. Wm. Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if the Royal Ulster Constabulary has interviewed the members of the British Broadcasting Corporation team who filmed the Irish Republican Army in Carrickmore, County Tyrone, on 17 October; and if the film is in the possession of the police;

(2) whether any statements have been taken by the police from the members of the British Broadcasting Corporation team who filmed the Irish Republican Army in Carrickmore, County Tyrone.

Mr. Humphrey Atkins

Not yet, but police inquiries are continuing.

Mr. Wm. Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the members of the British Broadcasting Corporation team who filmed the Irish Republican Army in Carrickmore, County Tyrone, informed the security forces of the presence of armed men in that village; and, if so, when.

Mr. Humphrey Atkins

They did not.

Mr. Wm. Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if there is a police station in Carrickmore, County Tyrone.

Mr. Humphrey Atkins

No. The nearest police stations are at Beragh five miles to the south-west and Pomeroy four miles to the east of Carrickmore.

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