HC Deb 04 August 1971 vol 822 cc336-41W
Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Minister of State for Defence under what circumstances the Army was called to the library in Spencer Road, Londonderry, on the night of 29th July after an Irish Republican Army bomb explosion; what was the result of their investigations; how the bomb was constructed; how it was detonated; at what time the explosion occurred; how soon the Army arrived on the scene; where the bomb was placed in the building; what damage was done; whether the area was sealed off; what searches were made; and what arrests resulted.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

Shortly before midnight a bomb exploded in the lavatories of the building, causing considerable damage to the door, windows and cubicles. An Army ammunition technical officer arrived shortly after the explosion was reported, and after the area had been cleared made the usual checks for evidence and to ensure that no explosive remained in or around the building. He estimated that the bomb contained 2 to 5 lb. of explosive but the means of detonation is unknown. I understand that no arrests have so far been made in connection with this incident nor has responsibility for it been established.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Minister of State for Defence under what circumstances an Army explosives expert was called to a garage on the Grosvenor Road, Belfast, on 29th July after the discovery of an Irish Republican Army bomb; what was the result of his investigations; how the bomb was constructed; and whether it had an anti-handling device.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

The Royal Ulster Constabulary called in the Army ammunition technical officer, who estimated that the bomb contained 1 to 2 lb. of open cast gelignite. It was fitted with an anti-lift device. Responsibility for placing the bomb has yet to be established.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Minister of State for Defence under what circumstances the Army was called to Victoria Street, Belfast, on the morning of 30th July after an Irish Republican Army bomb had wrecked the Nite Bite Cafe; what was the result of their investigations; what sort of bomb was used; how it was detonated; at what time it exploded; at what time the Army arrived on the scene; what injury was done to persons; what damage was done to property; whether the area was sealed off; what searches resulted; and what arrests were made.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

At about 3.30 a.m. a bomb caused extensive damage to the Nite Bite Cafe and scattered debris for about 30 yards. Two people were injured and ten suffered shock. An Army ammunition technical officer arrived shortly after the explosion was reported and, the area having been cleared, made the usual checks for evidence and to ensure that no explosive remained in or around the building. He estimated that the bomb contained about 20 lb. of explosive, but the means of detonation is unknown.

I understand that no arrests have so far been made in connection with the incident, and that the identity of those responsible has yet to be established.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether the Army returned fire when shots were fired at the Victoria Royal Ulster Constabulary Station, Londonderry, early in the morning of 29th July; what sort of gun the Irish Republican Army terrorists used; whether the area was sealed off; what searches were made; and what arrests resulted.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

There were no Army eye witness reports on this incident.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Minister of State for Defence (1) what action the Army took in Londonderry during the night of 28th July and the morning of 29th July when they were attacked by Roman Catholic rioters at the Little Diamond, Abbey Street, William Street and Rossville Street, Londonderry; how many rubber bullets were fired; and how many arrests were made;

(2) what action the Army took against Roman Catholic rioters in Londonderry during the night of 28th July when they attempted to set fire to the Northern Ireland Tyre Company's premises in William Street, Londonderry; and how many arrests were made.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

There was a number of incidents during the period. The most serious arose from the throwing of petrol bombs and stones by a young hooligan element of unknown religious persuasion who appeared in small groups in the William Street—Fahan Street—Rossville Street areas. A number of fires were started, which were dealt with by the City Fire Brigade. The troops fired 16 baton rounds in the course of dispersing the youths. No arrests were made by the Army at the time.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Minister of State for Defence what was the result of the Army investigations after an Irish Republican Army explosion which wrecked a pavilion at Clooney Park West, Londonderry, Northern Ireland, during the night of 28th July; what type of bomb was used; how it was detonated; what amount of damage was done; and what arrests were made.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

An Army ammunition technical officer, called in to investigate this incident, estimated that 5 to 10 lb. of explosive had been used. The means of detonation is not known. The explosion caused considerable damage to two changing rooms and the restaurant. No arrests were made by the Army at the time, and responsibility for the explosion has yet to be established.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Minister of State for Defence under what circumstances the Army went into action to defend Coalisland Royal Ulster Constabulary Station, Northern Ireland, on the night of 28th July when it was attacked by Roman Catholics attending a civil rights meeting in the town; what counter-measures the Army had to take; and what arrests were made.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

Shortly before midnight, the Army was called to assist the Royal Ulster Constabulary who were being stoned by a group of some 60 people of unknown religious persuasion. The troops assisted in the dispersal of this crowd and I understand that one arrest was made in connection with the incident.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Minister of State for Defence under what circumstances the Army opened fire in the Crumlin Road area of Belfast on the night of 28th July; how many shots were fired at the Army by the terrorists; what type of gun was used; why the Army held fire until after a warning was issued; and what was the result of the shots fired by the Army.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

Shortly after midnight an Army patrol gave chase to a car which was recognised as being stolen. The two occupants of the car abandoned it and ran off in different directions. One of the men fired one shot, of unknown calibre, at the troops, who fired five shots in return; the man was not hit. On the matter of warnings, I have nothing to add to the statement made by my noble Friend the Minister of State for Defence on 26th May.—[Vol. 818, c. 375.]

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Minister of State for Defence how many petrol bombs were hurled by terrorists in Londonderry from 24th July to 2nd August; what injuries and damages have resulted; and how many petrol bomb throwers have been shot or arrested.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

At least 75 petrol bombs were thrown during this period, causing injuries to several soldiers, none of who was required to remain in hospital. It is a matter for the civil authorities to make an assessment of the total damage caused. The Army arrested eight persons during the period. The question of bringing charges against persons arrested, and the nature of the charges, are matters for the civil authorities.

Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Minister of State for Defence what action has been taken to apprehend Private Power of the Anglian Regiment, a native of County Tipperary in the Republic of Eire, who deserted from his unit while serving in Northern Ireland; what military equipment Private Power took with him when he deserted; and whether any of the equipment has been recovered.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

The normal procedure for apprehending deserters was followed at the time. The soldier took with him—in September, 1969—five small arms and some ammunition. One weapon has been recovered.

Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Minister of State for Defence how many guns have been stolen from the Army in Northern Ireland in the past 12 months; if he will classify the arms taken; how many have been recovered; and how many of the arms have been removed by Army deserters.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

Fourteen ordnance items classified as arms have been stolen. Nine have been recovered. Five of the items stolen were taken by deserters, all of which were recovered.