HC Deb 26 January 1971 vol 810 cc92-3W
Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the assaults that have been made on the troops engaged in fighting Republican forces in the Ballymurphy and Falls areas of Belfast.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

For a period of about a week commencing 11th January, 1971, there was a series of disturbances in Belfast, mainly in the Ballymurphy area, in which the security forces were attacked with firearms, with stones and with petrol and acid bombs by gangs of hooligans. There is reason to suppose that these disorders were fomented for political motives by a small number of extremists. Over 60 arrests were made.

Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Minister of State for Defence how many soldiers have been wounded during service in Northern Ireland in each of the years 1969 and 1970, and during this year up to the present date, respectively.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

In 1969 there were 42 casualties; in 1970, 529; and this year to date, 12.