HC Deb 09 November 1987 vol 122 cc58-9W
Mr. Beggs

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) on how many occasions since 15 November 1985 Gardai or troops from the Republic of Ireland have crossed the frontier into the United Kingdom; and what representations were made by Her Majesty's Government to the Government of the Republic of Ireland in respect of these incursions;

(2) on how many occasions since 15 November 1985 the Royal Ulster Constabulary and United Kingdom troops have crossed the frontier into the Republic of Ireland; and on how many occasions since 15 November 1985 the Government of the Republic of Ireland have protested to Her Majesty's Government about these occurrences.

Mr. Stanley

I understand how easy it is for members of the security forces operating near the border to make mistakes and accidentally stray outside their respective jurisdictions in the fight against the terrorists who are the common enemy. However, since 15 November 1985 and to date (5 November) the Government have brought to the attention of the Republic of Ireland 16 occasions on which members of the Irish security forces have allegedly crossed the border into Northern Ireland. Of these, the Irish authorities have admitted two, 13 have been denied and one is under investigation. During the same period the Irish Government have brought to our attention 84 occasions on which members of our security forces have allegedly crossed the border into the Republic of Ireland. Of these, the British authorities have admitted 52, 28 have been denied, one is under investigation, and three could not be pursued because of insufficient information.

1981–82 1982–83 1983–84 1984–85 1985–86 1986–87 1987
Quarter ended
30 June 855 783 298 414 493 716 638
30 September 634 218 231 401 401 687
30 December 743 356 284 440 469 654
31 March 667 298 335 344 495 562

Mr. Hume

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what information is available to indicate the number of disconnections by Northern Ireland Electricity per year as a percentage of average domestic credit consumers for each of the years from the year ended 31 March 1987.

Mr. Viggers

The supply of electricity within Northern Ireland, and disconnection of supply, is the responsibility of Northern Ireland Electricity.

The information requested is as follows:

Year Ended Percentage
31 March 1986 0.39
31 March 1987 0.54

Mr. Hume

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what information is available to indicate the numbers remaining disconnected by Northern Ireland Electricity for the year ending 31 March 1986 and 31 March 1987;

(2) what information is available to indicate the numbers remaining disconnected by Northern Ireland Electricity as a percentage of average domestic credit consumers for the year ending 31 March 1986 and 31 March 1987;

(3) what figures are available to indicate the number of consumers remaining disconnected for (a) more than one month and (b) more than three months in each of the years ending 31 March 1986 and 31 March 1987.

Mr. Viggers

Information in the form requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

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