HL Deb 05 November 1979 vol 402 c692WA
The Earl of HARROWBY

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps have been taken to trace and apprehend the perpetrators of the desecration of 89 Imperial War Graves Commission graves, mainly of men of the Royal Navy, out of 290 in the Falls Road Cemetery in Belfast on 5th June last, and whether steps are being taken to try and avoid the recurrence of such incidents.

The PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY of STATE, NORTHERN IRELAND OFFICE (Lord Elton)

Her Majesty's Government deplore the desecration of graves in the City Cemetery, Belfast, and in particular the desecration of war graves. A large number of graves, including war graves, have been damaged by vandals and investigations by the police are continuing.

There is a partiuclar problem of vandalism in the general area of the City Cemetery and I understand that Belfast City Council, who are responsible for the cemetery, have taken a number of steps to prevent a recurrence.