HC Deb 22 June 1972 vol 839 cc175-6W
Mr. Stratton Mills

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the explosion on Saturday, 27th May, at the Crumlin Cinema, Crumlin Road, Belfast; and if, in the light of this, he will review the arrangements for warning householders after a bomb warning has been received.

Mr. Channon

At 12.05 p.m. on Saturday, 27th May, 1972, an explosion took place in a private car parked outside the Crumlin Cinema, 189 Crumlin Road, Belfast. The car had been hi-jacked at 10.49 a.m. in Alliance Avenue, Belfast, by four armed men. The explosion caused extensive damage to the cinema and surrounding properties. It is estimated that 50 lb. of explosive were used. Ten people sustained slight injuries. The standard arrangements to clear the area were made following an anonymous telephone call at 11.35 a.m. and the security forces had almost succeeded in clearing the area when the explosion took place. Existing procedures for area clearance have proved adequate in the past but they are being kept under review.