To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons have been arrested in connection with the incident in which two young men were publicly paraded with placards on the Shankill road, Belfast, on 11 January 2008; and what assessment he has made of whether there was a paramilitary involvement in that incident. (182412)

I have been advised by the PSNI that no persons have as yet been arrested in connection with this incident and inquiries into this matter continue. An assessment as to the possibility of paramilitary involvement is still being considered. All acts of criminality should be dealt with through the proper authorities and the criminal justice system and I urge anyone with information in relation to this incident to contact the PSNI.