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Northern Ireland

Volume 808: debated on Thursday 17 December 1970

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asked the Minister of State for Defence why the Army authorities advised the Northern Ireland Government to order the curtailment of the traditional ceremonies surrounding the burning of the effigy of the traitor Lundy on private property in the City of Londonderry on or around 19th December; if he is aware of the widespread concern in Northern Ireland at the Army's decision; and if he will now give an assurance that the holding of such traditional ceremonies will not be interfered with by the Army in the future.

Decisions concerning the holding of traditional public celebrations are taken by the appropriate authorities of the Northern Ireland Government, after they consider all the relevant factors, which include the advice given by the security authorities through the Joint Security Committee.

asked the Minister of State for Defence why some members of the Ulster Defence Regiment are going on guard duty at Newcastle Telephone Exchange, County Down, Northern Ireland without arms; and, in view of the fact that the exchange has been damaged recently by a bomb explosion, if he will now direct that all members of the Ulster Defence Regiment on guard duty there will be properly armed.

Members of the Ulster Defence Regiment guarding the Newcastle Telephone Exchange are, and always have been, adequately armed.