HC Deb 24 May 1972 vol 837 cc405-7W
Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the two men alleged to have driven the motor car involved in the explosion outside Kelly's Bar, Ballymurphy, on Saturday, 13th May were killed or injured; whether they have been identified; what their injuries were; if they were responsible for the explosion; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. David Howell

The evidence suggests that the bomb exploded prematurely whilst those intending to use it elsewhere were either inside the bar or were returning to their vehicle from the bar. It has not yet been possible to identify such persons or to confirm whether they were killed or injured.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland under what circumstances a public house in Sandy Row, Belfast, was blown up on Monday, 15th May by an Irish Republican Army bomb; what size the bomb was; how it was planted; how it was detonated; what injuries and damage it caused; and what arrests were made.

Mr. Channon

At 7.25 p.m. on Monday, 15th May, a Morris van which had 1st January, 1961, to 31st December, 1971:

been stolen on the previous day was driven up to the Bluebell Bar, Sandy Row, The driver was immediately picked up by a car which made off at speed down Great Victoria Street towards the city centre. Shortly afterwards a bomb inside the van went off, having probably been detonated by a delayed action fuse or timing device. Seventeen people were injured and there was extensive damage to the bar. Many other premises on either side of the street were also damaged and the van was completely destroyed. It is estimated that the bomb contained between 30 and 50 lb. of explosives. No warning was given. No arrests have yet been made.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland under what circumstances the Irish Republican Army planted a bomb at Best Street, Donegal Road, Belfast, on Wednesday, 17th May, 1972; what warning was given to the residents of the street; what injuries and damage resulted from the explosion; and what steps he now intends to take to give security to the residents of the Sandy Row and Donegal Road areas of Belfast.

Mr. Channon

At 5.55 p.m. on Wednesday, 17th May, 1972 a car was reversed up against a house in Boit Street Donegal Road, Belfast and shortly afterwards an explosion occurred without warning, injuring 10 people and causing substantial damage to the house. The bomb in the car contained between 10 and 15 lb. of explosives. Other buildings nearby received superficial damage. The security forces will continue to give all the protection they can to the residents of the Sandy Row and Donegal Road areas.

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