HC Deb 10 July 1980 vol 988 cc238-9W
Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what representations he has received from the Gaelic Athletic Association concerning occupation by Her Majesty's Forces of its ground at Crossmaglen; what reply he has sent; and if he will make a statement;

(2) if he will publish in the Official Report a list of those persons or organisations who have written to him concerning the British Army occupation of Gaelic Athletic Association land at Crossmaglen; and what was the substance of these communications.

Mr. Humphrey Atkins

I have recently received approaches on this subject from the hon. Members for West, Stirlingshire (Mr. Canavan), for Ince (Mr. McGuire), and for Sheffield, Hillsborough (Mr. Flannery); and from Mr. Thomas Walsh on behalf of the Gaelic Athletic Association, as well as from the hon. Member himself. These have been concerned principally with the security forces' use of part of the Gaelic Athletic Association's land in Crossmaglen and the alleged disturbance and inconvenience which this causes to the Gaelic Athletic Association. The hon. Member will now have received a letter from me in which I said that my hon. Friend the Minister of State would be happy to meet him and other interested parties to discuss these matters.

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