HC Deb 12 November 1976 vol 919 cc283-4W
Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people were injured in the Provisional IRA bomb explosion in Ballymena on 6th November, and had to receive medical treatment; and how many have serious injuries.

Mr. Mason

Thirty-seven persons were hurt in the attack of whom 10 were detained in hospital. Two were very seriously injured.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the estimate amount of damage caused by the Provisional IRA bomb in Ballymena on 6th November.

Mr. Concannon

No precise figure can yet be given. The preliminary estimate by the loss adjustor engaged by the Northern Ireland Office for the purposes of any compensation claims under the Criminal Injuries to Property (Compensation) Act (NI) 1971 has indicated that the cost of the damage on this occasion may be of the order of £250,000.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the size of the Provisional IRA bomb planted in Ballymena on 6th November; whether any warning was given; what was the approximate time of its planting; and how soon afterward it exploded.

Mr. Mason

The device was estimated by the Army to have consisted of up to 500 lb of home-made explosive. It exploded without a warning having been received. It is not yet known when the car containing the device was left outside the Raglan Bar. The device exploded at half-past eight on the evening of 6th November.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many houses and shops were damaged by the Provisional IRA bomb in Ballymena on 6th November; and how many of these properties will have to be demolished.

Mr. Concannon

Over 40 preliminary notices of intention to claim compensation have been received. It is not yet possible, however, to say exactly how many buildings were damaged or destroyed, but a detailed examination of a number of shops and dwellings damaged in the explosion is now being carried out.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what arrests have been made by the RUC in connection with the Provisional IRA bombing of Ballymena on 6th November.

Mr. Mason

I understand from the Chief Constable that no arrests have yet been made but that investigations are being vigorously pursued.