HC Deb 09 May 1985 vol 78 cc503-4W
1. Mr. Peter Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the security situation in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Hurd

Since I last answered questions in the House on 4 April, two civilians have died in incidents arising from the security situation in the Province.

The security forces' efforts to defeat terrorism continue, and since the beginning of this year a total of 171 people have been charged with serious offences, including 20 with murder, 89 weapons, 3,327 rounds of ammunition and 2,222 lb of explosives have been recovered.

Most of these explosives—about 1–5 tonnes—were found near Dungannon on 25 April. By denying the terrorists the use of this murderous material, the security forces undoubtedly prevented them from inflicting a great deal of destruction and suffering on the community and I echo the commendation by my hon. Friend earlier.

Mr. Yeo

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the security position in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Hurd

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer that I gave to the right hon. Member for South Down (Mr. Powell) earlier today.