HC Deb 07 April 1977 vol 929 cc614-5W
Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the bomb explosions in Belfast on Monday 4th April and on how the Provisional IRA were able to penetrate the defence ring of the city.

Mr. Mason

Shortly before noon on 4th April a small bomb exploded in the Rosemary Cafe in Belfast City Centre. Two minutes later a similar device exploded in Isobel Ervine's Coffee Shop in the same street. 29 people, including women and young children, were admitted to hospital and eight of the casualties were detained for further treatment. The devices had been placed under tables inside the cafes. Since only one minute's warning was received at the Belfast telephone exchange there was no time to evacuate the victims. Investigations are taking place to establish how the devices were brought into the secure area and to apprehend the culprits.