§ Rev. Ian PaisleyI beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 9, for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration, namely,
The heavy attacks by the Provisional IRA yesterday on Army posts in Belfast, involving the exchange of many hundreds of rounds and described by the Army as a desperate attempt to inflict heavy casualties on the troops.I submit that this matter is specific. The Sabbath calm of Belfast was disturbed all day by the heavy fire that took place in the Ardoyne district in the New Lodge Road area, in the Falls Road, in Andersonstown and also in part of the Old Park area. There was an out-and-out attempt by the Irish Republican Army to cause severe casualties to Her Majesty's Forces and also the civilian population. In fact, at one church in the Belfast Old 952 Park Road area people had to remain inside the building for an hour and a half after the service was over because of the bullets flying around the streets.This situation has caused serious concern to the people of Northern Ireland. We read in the Press that as many as 2,000 shots were fired in the city of Belfast yesterday. As a representative of Northern Ireland, I feel that it is only right that this matter should be ventilated in this House. It is an important matter because the lives of civilians and troops are at grave risk. The matter is urgent and should be discussed now because this House has not had an opportunity to deal with the deterioration in security in Northern Ireland since we returned from the Christmas Recess.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe only question I have to decide is whether to give the hon. Gentleman's application priority over other business of the House. I regret that I cannot do so.