§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Minister of State for Defence under what circumstances the Army was called to a furniture store on the Shankill Road, Belfast, bombed by the Irish Republican Army on Saturday, 11th December; what sort of bomb was used; with what result; and what arrests were made.
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithAt 12.49 p.m. on 11th December a bomb exploded at the Balmoral Furnishing Shop, Shankill Road, completely demolishing the building, killing two men and two babies—one aged seven months and the other aged two years—nd injuring 22 people.136W Army ammunition technical officers estimate the bomb contained 30–50 lb. of explosives, though the exact type of bomb and initiating device used has not yet been established. No arrests have yet been made and investigations into this incident are continuing.
§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Minister of State for Defence under what circumstances the Army was called to the home of Senator John Barnhill in Northern Ireland on Sunday, 12th December; what events had taken place; and what arrests were made.
§ Mr. G. Johnson SmithAt 6.45 p.m. on 12th December, two armed men went to the house of Senator John Barnhill near Strabane. They fired two shots at Senator Barnhill, killing him. They dragged his body into the drawing room and placed a bomb near it. Mrs. Barnhill was then ordered to leave the house. The bomb, estimated to be between 30–50 lb., exploded, demolishing part of the house. No arrests have yet been made and investigations are continuing.