Northern Ireland (Hansard, 7 July 1970)

§ Mr. Kilfedder
asked the Minister of State for Defence why an Army patrol which was only about 100 yards away did not go to the New Barnsley temporary police station, Belfast, to relieve the four police officers who were besieged there and attacked by a mob from approximately 3.30 p.m. until 6.30 p.m. on Saturday, 27th June, and were sending out calls for assistance by radio.
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§ Mr. Ian Gilmour
The first request for assistance by the Army was received from the New Barnsley police station just before 3.30 p.m. The nearest troops were fully engaged in protecting an Army company post. A platoon from elsewhere was therefore despatched immediately to the police station but this was obstructed on the way by a mob of rioters. One company of troops reached the police station at 4.30 p.m. and also relieved the company post.

§ Mr. Kilfedder
asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a statement as to the instructions issued to the police under the command of the General Officer Commanding Northern Ireland about the use of batons to quell a riot in Northern Ireland.

§ Mr. Ian Gilmour
The General Officer Commanding Northern Ireland, as Director of Security Operations, is responsible only for the overall co-ordination of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the Army for security operations. Questions about the use of batons by the Royal Ulster Constabulary are the concern of the Northern Ireland authorities.

§ Mr. Kilfedder
asked the Minister of State for Defence if he is aware that the Taggart Memorial Church Hall, Springfield Road, Belfast, used by the Army as a billet, was invaded and ransacked by rioters on the afternoon of Saturday, 27th June; if he will take steps to prevent such an incident recurring; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Ian Gilmour
On Saturday, 27th June, the hall which the Army was using as a billet was attacked by a mob when most of the troops were deployed elsewhere. It was not invaded or ransacked, but damage was done to roof tiles, doors, and windows. The troops dispersed the attacking mob using minimum force.