HC Deb 19 June 1972 vol 839 cc35-6W
Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in what circumstances a bomb was planted on Saturday, 3rd June, outside the Britannic Bar, Newtownards Road, Belfast; how it was constructed; how it was denonated; what injury and damage it caused; and what arrests were made.

Mr. David Howell

At 9.41 p.m. on Saturday, 3rd June, 1972, an explosion occurred in a Morris car, bearing false number plates, which had been parked a short time previously outside the Britannia Bar, 61 Newtownards Road, Belfast. A young man was seen running away from the vehicle. The explosion caused severe damage to the front of the bar premises and superficial damage to other premises in the vicinity. No warning was given. The bomb is estimated to have contained 75–100 lb. of explosives. Forty-seven people were treated in hospital: four were detailed but are not serious injured. No arrests have yet been made. It was not possible to establish positively how the bomb was constructed and detonated.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will state the circumstances in which a bomb was planted on Saturday night, 3rd June, at Lipton's Supermarket, Cliftonville Circus, Belfast; how it was constructed; how it was detonated; what injury and damage it caused; and what arrests were made.

Mr. David Howell

At approximately 12.25 a.m. on Sunday, 4th June, 1972, a car with three male passengers stopped outside Liptons Supermarket, Cliftonville Circus, Belfast. One man got out, placed a parcel at the front door of the premises, and returned to the car, which drove off at high speed down Cliftonville Road. Shortly afterwards the parcel exploded causing extensive damage to the supermarket and other premises in the vicinity. No warning was given. Two persons were treated for shock. No arrests have yet been made. The bomb was estimated to have contained 25–30 lb. of explosives, but it was not possible to establish positively how it was constructed; it was detonated by a safety fuse.

Mr. Stratton Mills

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many explosions there have been and how much gelignite has been used in the North Belfast area since 24th May; and how many soldiers and policemen and how many civilians have been killed and injured in the area in that period.

Mr. David Howell

My right hon. Friend regrets that the information is not readily available in the form requested.