§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the riots resulting on 4 March from the Irish Republican Army march in Belfast; how many policemen were injured; what was the estimated cost of damage done; how many rubber bullets were fired; and how many arrests were made.
§ Mr. Mason, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 8th March 1979; Vol. 963, c. 608], gave the following information:
On 4 March 1979, supporters of the Relatives Action Committee marched from West Belfast towards Belfast city centre. The notice required by section 1(1) of the Public Order Acts (Northern Ireland) 1951–1971 had not been given and the security forces acted to prevent the marchers from entering the city centre. The majority of marchers dispersed peacefully but groups of youths stoned the security forces; 40 baton rounds were fired to disperse them. Damage was widespread but of a relatively minor nature; no accurate assessment of the cost can be made at present. Twelve policemen were injured, none seriously, and one person was arrested and charged 839W with riotious behaviour. The police are pursuing their inquiries with a view to bringing further charges.