HC Deb 23 February 1989 vol 147 cc757-8W
Mr. Sean Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the explosives used in the attack on Tern hill barracks on Monday 20 February were planted; and when the challenge was issued by security personnel to two suspected intruders.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The soldiers challenged the terrorists on seeing them inside the barrack area at just after 0300 hrs. When the explosives were planted is a matter for the police investigation to establish.

Mr. Sean Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the exact period of time between the issuing of a challenge to the intruders at the Tern hill barracks on Monday 20 February and the detonation of explosives inside the barracks.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The first explosion occurred some 20 minutes after the soldiers first challenged the terrorists on seeing them inside the barrack area. There were two subsequent explosions. The precise timing and sequence of events is a matter for the police investigation.

Mr. Sean Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when were security personnel at Tern hill barracks informed about the theft of the car suspected of being used in connection with the attack.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

I assume that the hon. Gentleman is referring to the Austin Montego car hijacked from the Simpsons. Information was received at Clive barracks that the terrorists had made off in a hijacked car at about 0415 hrs on Monday, 20 February.

Mr. Sean Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many complaints have been received from local residents near the Tern hill barracks about unauthorised access to the site of the barracks in each of the last three years.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

There is no record of any complaints having been received from local residents about unauthorised access to Clive barracks, Tern hill during the last three years.

Mr. Sean Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when was the last time security at the Tern hill barracks was(a) tested and (b) evaluated.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

Within the United Kingdom land forces command, all units are required to carry out regular security exercises. A co-ordinated test and evaluation of security at Tern hill barracks was last carried out on 18 December 1988.

Mr. Sean Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the expenditure on perimeter fencing at the Tern hill barracks in each of the last five years.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

Tern hill barracks was rebuilt in 1981 as an open-plan barracks. During the past year, a number of improvements to the fencing at the barracks have been carried out. However, the cost of these improvements is not readily identifiable.