HC Deb 23 June 1972 vol 839 cc203-4W
Mr. Stratton Mills

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the explosion at the Europa Hotel, Belfast, on 9th June; and what information he has as to how the explosive substance was smuggled into the hotel.

Mr. Channon

At 1.06 p.m., 1.07 p.m. and 1.11 p.m. warning telephone calls were received that there was a bomb in the Europa Hotel. The hotel and surrounding premises were evacuated. At 2 p.m. a bomb estimated to contain between 20 and 40 lbs. of explosives went off in the ladies' cloakroom on the first floor of the hotel, causing extensive damage to that floor and breaking glass in surrounding property. No injuries were reported. Investigations as to how the explosive was smuggled into the hotel are continuing.

Mr. Stratton Mills

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the explosion at Everton Bar, Crumlin Road, Belfast, on 9th June.

Mr. Channon

At 10.9 a.m. and 10.15 a.m. telephone calls were received that a bomb has been placed at the Everton Bar, Crumlin Road, Belfast. The area was immediately evacuated and at 10.52 a.m. a car bomb estimated to contain 250 lbs. of explosive went off, causing extensive damage to the bar and damaging numerous surrounding premises. No injuries were reported although several people were treated for shock. The vehicle used had been hijacked earlier in the Ardoyne area.