HC Deb 16 July 1971 vol 821 cc163-6W
Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Minister of State for Defence (1) under what circumstances the Army was called to a sports shop in Bedford Street, Belfast, early in the morning of Monday, 12th July, after an Irish Republican Army bomb explosion ; at what time the explosion occurred ; at what time the Army arrived on the scene ; what was the result of its investigations ; what damage was done ; whether the area was sealed off ; what searches were made ; and what arrests resulted ;

(2) under what circumstances the Army was called to the General Post Office, Royal Avenue, early in the morning of Monday, 12th July, after an Irish Republican Army bomb explosion ; at what time the explosion occurred ; at what time the Army arrived on the scene ; what was the result of its investigations ; what damage was done ; whether the area was sealed off ; what searches were made ; and what arrests resulted ;

(3) under what circumstances the Army was called to Bryson Street, Belfast, after a home was wrecked by an Irish Republican Army bomb explosion early in the morning of Monday, 12th July ; at what time the explosion occurred ; at what time the Army arrived ; what was the result of its investigations ; what damage was done ; whether the area was sealed off ; what searches were made ; and what arrests resulted.

(4) under what circumstances the Army was called to Sinclairs' Store, Belfast, early in the morning of Monday, 12th July, after an Irish Republican Army bomb explosion ; at what time the explosion occurred ; at what time the Army arrived on the scene ; what was the result of its investigations ; what damage was done ; whether the area was sealed off ; what searches were made ; and what arrests resulted ;

(5) under what circumstances the Army was called to Robbs store in Castle Place, Belfast, early in the morning of Monday, 12th July, after an Irish Republican Army bomb explosion ; at what time the explosion occurred ; at what time the Army arrived on the scene ; what was the result of its investigations ; what damage was done ; whether the area was sealed off ; what searches were made ; and what arrests resulted.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

A number of people are assisting the police with their inquiries concerning these and other incidents during the night of 11–12th July ; others face charges in the courts. In these circumstances it would be inappropriate for me to add further details at this stage.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether the Army was called to Irvingstown Orange Hall, Northern Ireland, after the hall had been wrecked by an Irish Republican Army bomb explosion early in the morning of 1st July ; what was the result of its investigations ; at what time the explosion occurred ; at what time the Army arrived ; whether the area was sealed off ; what searches were made and what arrests resulted.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

Army experts were called to the scene of the explosion, which occurred at about 3 a.m. They arrived shortly afterwards, the area having first been cleared. The normal searches and forensic investigations were carried out. They revealed that a charge of about 20 1b. had been used, but found no evidence to indicate the identity of the person or persons responsible. No arrests were made by the Army at the time of the incident.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the uncovering of over 100 1b. of gelignite a short distance from the border inside Northern Ireland near Newry by Army investigators in the last few days ; what similar caches have been uncovered in this vicinity in the past month ; and if he is satisfied that the source of this gelignite supply has been effectively sealed off.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

The Army has no record of this incident.

Rev., Ian Paisley

asked the Minister of State for Defence under what circumstances Rifleman David Walker was shot dead by Irish Republican Army gunmen in Belfast on Tuesday, 13th July ; how many shots were fired ; what sort of gun was used ; how many shots struck Rifleman Walker ; if he was wearing a bullet-proof vest ; whether the fire was returned ; if the area was sealed off ; what searches were made ; and what arrests resulted.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

Shortly before 5.30 p.m. on Monday, 12th July, three shots were fired by a person or persons unknown at an observation post on the roof of Northumberland Street Mill. It is believed that a high velocity weapon was used. One shot hit Rifleman Walker, who was not at the time of the incident wearing a flak jacket. There was no opportunity to return fire. The area was searched without success. No arrests were made by the Army at the time.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Minister of State for Defence under what circumstances a soldier was shot dead in Belfast on Wednesday, 14th July, by Irish Republican Army gunmen ; how many shots were fired ; what sort of guns were used ; how many shots struck the victim ; whether he was wearing a bulletproof vest ; if the fire was returned ; whether the area was sealed off ; what searches were made ; and what arrests resulted.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

Shortly after midnight a land rover patrol of 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, was ambushed by unknown gunmen in the Andersonstown area of Belfast. The vehicle, which was carrying four soldiers, was fired on with 20 to 30 rounds from an automatic rifle. The driver was hit by one shot and died almost immediately. He was wearing a flak jacket. Fire was returned at the gunmen's position, and a cordon and search operation was instituted. No arrests were made by the Army at the time.

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