§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what explosive substances were found in the car in which Peter Clifford was a passenger on 8 November; and what checks were made on his clothes;
(2) why Peter Clifford was arrested near Long Kesh on 8 November; what charges were made against him; and for how many hours he was detained;
(3) what happened to the finger-prints taken from Peter Clifford in Gough barracks on 8 November; and what records are kept of his arrest and interrogation;
(4) what questions were asked of Peter Clifford during interrogation at Gough barracks; and what documents he signed.
§ Mr. Ian Stewart[holding answers 25 November 1988] : A routine Army patrol operating close to Her Majesty's prison Maze near Lisburn, on 8 November stopped and searched a vehicle in which Mr. Clifford was a passenger. Traces of what was thought to be an explosive substance were found in the vehicle. The vehicle's occupants were subsequently arrested and the vehicle was taken for further examination. Following forensic examination of the vehicle and Mr. Clifford's clothing, it was established that the material discovered was not an explosive substance.
Mr. Clifford was initially detained under section 14 of the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1978 for a period of four hours and subsequently arrested under section 12 of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1984.
He was detained at 1409 hours on 8 November and released at 1300 hours on 9 November and therefore remained in custody for just under 24 hours. He was released without charge.
Whilst he was in custody, Mr. Clifford's fingerprints were taken and in accordance with normal procedure these have now been destroyed. Procedural records of his arrest and detention have been retained. During police interview Mr. Clifford was asked a number of questions about the substance found, his identity and the reasons for this presence in that particular area. Before his release Mr. Clifford signed a number of official forms relating to his detention. I now understand that Mr. Clifford has lodged a formal complaint in relation to his detention and this is being investigated by the police.