HC Deb 06 December 1971 vol 827 cc935-6
Mr. McMaster

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement on the explosion at McGurk's public house on North Queen Street, Belfast, on Saturday night 4th December.

The Minister of State for Defence (Lord Balniel)

I have been asked to reply.

At about 8.30 p.m. on Saturday, 4th December, an explosion which occurred without warning wrecked McGurk's Bar, 81–83 North Queen Street, Belfast. It killed 15 people and injured 13 others, two seriously. Army ammunition technical officers have estimated the weight of explosive at about 50 lbs. The security forces have not yet been able to establish precisely where the bomb was placed.

I am sure that I speak for the whole House in expressing my horror at this appalling tragedy and my deep sympathy with the victims and their families. I would hope that those involved—in whatever way—in acts of terror will be sobered by what has happened, and will reject the violence and destruction of which this is the latest example.

Mr. McMaster

My hon. Friends from Northern Ireland and I associate ourselves with my noble Friend's expression of sympathy with the relatives and families of those killed and injured. Can my noble Friend say whether the explosion occurred from the inside or the outside of the bar itself?

Lord Balniel

Investigations by Army ammunition technical officers indicate that the bomb was detonated within the structure, probably just inside the bar on the ground floor. I am afraid that I cannot be more positive than that, because hon. Members will have seen on television the extent of the damage and will realise the difficulty of establishing firmer conclusions. But investigations are continuing.

Mr. Callaghan

May I associate those on this side with what the noble Lord has said about this dreadful crime of violence—the worst, I think, since the outbreaks that started in 1969.

May I ask him to assure us, as I am sure is the case, that every step will be taken to bring the miscreants to justice and, whether those steps are successful or not, may I express the hope that those responsible may be able to sleep easily in their beds with their consciences in view of the indescribable destruction, terror and misery that they bring to countless homes?

Lord Balniel

I am sure that the sentiments expressed by the right hon. Gentleman are sentiments which are felt by every hon. Member. I can assure him that every effort will be made to bring the miscreants to justice.

Mr. Pounder

In view of this appalling explosion and the disaster and tragedy that have followed, and while realising that at the present time there is a lot of information to be collated, may I ask whether my hon. Friend will assure the House that a statement will be made either here or somewhere else when he is in possession of greater knowledge of what happened?

Lord Balniel

If I feel that a useful purpose can be served by such a statement, I shall be most happy to make it to the House.

Mr. Orme

Is the Minister of State aware that we were appalled when we saw the incident reported on television on Saturday evening? Can he comment on the fact that, already, Mr. John Taylor of the Northern Ireland Government has made the comment that this is the responsibility of one organisation? Has the Minister any information at the present time about who is responsible?

Lord Balniel

Various theories have been advanced as to who is responsible, including the possibility of this being an accidental bomb explosion, but I understand that members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary are continuing with their investigations, and I have nothing to add to my statement.