§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what emergency assistance has been given to the Belfast Co-operative Society following the destruction of its central premises by bombing; what compensation has been paid in respect of previous damage to other of the Society's premises during civil disturbances in the city; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David HowellArrangements have been made to provide an immediate advance of £1 million to enable the 533W Belfast Co-operative Society to put in hand repairs and structural rebuilding with the minimum of delay.
In addition 17 compensation claims have been paid for malicious damage sustained between August, 1969, and September, 1971, amounting to £11,514.59. The Ministry of Finance Emergency Finance Office advanced an amount of £20,000 on 18th October, 1971, against a claim in respect of previous damage to the society's headquarters at York Street, Belfast.
There are 63 claims for compensation pending in respect of damage to the Belfast Co-operative Society's property. Of these 51 are against the Belfast Corporation, 10 against Antrim County Council and two against Down County Council.