§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what is the number so far in the current year concerning the operation of the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1978 (a) what was the yearly total of arrests made under the Act, (b) how many persons arrested under the Act were detained for the following periods: (i) up to 12 hours, (ii) 12 to 24 hours, (iii) 24 to 36 hours, (iv) 36 to 48 hours, (v) 48 to 60 hours and (vi) 60 to 72 hours, indicating those numbers (1) not ultimately charged under the Act and released, (2) those charged under the Act and (3) those charged with an offence but not under the Acts indicating which offences and (4) those charged under the Act but not initially detained under the Act;
(2) if he will state the current number of people who were detained so far in the current year under the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1978 and charged with scheduled offences under the Act and other Acts, separately; and with which offences they have been charged.
§ Mr. Scott[pursuant to his reply, 24 July 1985]: In the first six months of this year there were 576 arrests by the Royal Ulster Constabulary and 41 by members of the armed forces under the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1978. Some of those arrested by members of the armed forces would be recorded in the Royal Ulster Constabulary figures if they were subsequently handed over to the Royal Ulster Constabulary.
Of those arrests carried out by the Royal Ulster Constabulary, in 492 of the cases the persons concerned were released without charge; in two cases persons were subsequently charged with offences under the Act only; and in 82 other cases persons were charged with offences under other legislation. 72 of the cases involved persons charged with scheduled offences, though details of the offences are not readily available. No one was charged with an offence under the Act after arrest under other provisions.
Information on the length of time individuals were held under the Act could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
§ Mr. William Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many arrests were made for disorderly or riotous behaviour at the venue of each Orange demonstration on (a) 12 July 1984 and (b) 12 July 1985 during the period from the start of the procession to the departure of those taking part from the point where the procession terminated; and in each case how many of those arrested were taking part in the demonstration.
§ Mr. Scott[pursuant to his reply, 24 July 1985]: This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.