HC Deb 24 July 1989 vol 157 cc487-8W
Mr. Maginnis

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if the opinion of elected representatives or the community leaders in south-east Fermanagh was sought before dismantling the Lacky bridge permanent vehicle checkpoint.

Mr. Ian Stewart

Operational security matters are not normally the subject of advance public consultation but this matter was given careful consideration and consultation between the chief constable and the general office commanding in the light of all available information.

Mr. Maginnis

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consultation was carried out with the Royal Ulster Constabulary concerning the dismantling of the Lacky bridge permanent vehicle checkpoint; and what was the Royal Ulster Constabulary's response to the decision to dismantle.

Mr. Ian Stewart

As in all security issues this matter was the subject of careful consideration between the chief constable and the general office commanding. It is not the practice to comment on the details of consultations on security matters.

Mr. Maginnis

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what was the cost(a) to the Army and (b) to the Royal Ulster Constabulary of the operation to dismantle the Lacky bridge permanent vehicle checkpoint;

(2) what would be, at current prices, the cost of re-establishing the Lacky bridge permanent vehicle checkpoint.

Mr. Ian Stewart

It is not the practice to comment on the cost of security operations. But there was no significant additional cost incurred by the Army during the operation to dismantle the Lacky bridge permanent vehicle checkpoint. The Royal Ulster Constabulary was not involved.

Mr. Maginnis

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the Lacky bridge permanent vehicle checkpoint was dismantled; and which elected representatives in Fermanagh and South Tyrone were notified from the Northern Ireland Office by letter or otherwise of the intention to do so.

Mr. Ian Stewart

The permanent vehicle checkpoint at Lacky bridge was dismantled between 4 and 7 July. It was my intention to speak to the hon. Gentleman prior to this happening but he became aware of it in advance from another source.