HC Deb 10 July 1972 vol 840 cc266-8W
Mr. Stratton Mills

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the fire at Victoria Weaving Company, Ligoniel, on 25th–26th June, the explosion at Landscape Terrace, Belfast, on 26th June, and on the shooting of six civilians one of whom was killed in Duncairn Gardens, Belfast, on 26th–27th June.

Mr. Channon

A fire caused by incendiary devices was discovered at the Victoria Weaving Company, Mill Road, Ligoniel, Belfast, at 3.43 a.m. on Monday, 26th June. Extensive damage was caused to the premises. There were no injuries.

At 2.32 p.m. on Monday, 26th June, a Ford Cortina car was abandoned in the wash bay of Star Taxis at the junction of Crumlin Road and Landscape Terrace by two youths who ran off. An anonymous call was received by a Belfast newspaper that the car contained a bomb. Security forces had already cordoned off the area and diverted traffic. At 7 p.m. a number of rounds from a rocket launcher were fired at the car by the Army. An explosion occurred causing extensive damage to Star Taxi premises and to private and business premises in the surrounding area. There were no injuries.

At 7.30 p.m. on Monday, 26th June, rival factions met at Duncairn Gardens, Edlingham Street and some stoning took place. Security forces prevented a direct clash and began dispersing the crowds. At 7.35 p.m. two shots, followed by a burst of firing, came from the New Lodge Road end of Edlingham Street, directed towards the end of Edlingham Street. Ambulances went to the scene and the security forces continued to urge persons in the vicinity to disperse. At 7.52 p.m. a crowd began stoning at the North Queen Street end of Duncairn Gardens and were moved back into Brougham Street by the security forces. A burst of about six shots was fired at this crowd from North Queen Street.

Seven persons were admitted to hospital suffering from gunshot wounds. William Galloway, 18 years, of 67 Hogarth Street, died in hospital. Of the remainder, a man, an 8-year-old girl and a 3-year-old boy have now been dis-

charged; two men and one woman are still detained in hospital and their condition is satisfactor