§ 11. Mr. David ShawTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many terrorist incidents have occurred in Northern Ireland since 1 January. [11977]
§ Sir John WheelerSince 1 January, there have been 23 serious terrorist attacks. There were 13 shooting incidents, two PRIG mortar attacks, one Mk15 mortar attack and four Mk16 mortar attacks. One incident involved coffee jar devices being thrown and two under-car booby trap devices have exploded.
§ 14. Mr. RobathanTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the Provisional IRA's capabilities to wage a continuing terrorist campaign. [11980]
§ Sir John WheelerOur assessment is that the Provisional IRA is capable of mounting a sustained terrorist campaign both in Northern Ireland and elsewhere. The Provisional IRA has mounted a series of attacks over recent weeks intended to murder members of368W the security forces in the Province. The risk of further such attacks remains extremely high. Such attacks are carried out regardless of the risk to members of the public.