May 25 1974
The strike situation remained much the same last night, with shortages of petrol and some foods and with most of the industry closed. But petrol was allowed through to hospitals, some farms, bakeries, dairies and other essential services yesterday. And vital chemicals were taken into power stations.
And yet, these garages are all in loyalist strongholds and this is presenting problems for Catholic doctors and nurses as Catholic filling stations are not being supplied.
It is reported that there are now 20 garages distributing under UWC supervision. But they are patrolled by men dressed in paramilitary uniforms checking drivers’ credentials and those who don’t have permits have no chance of getting petrol.
The few other garages open are limiting their customers to a couple of gallons and many of them are displaying signs “Only essential customers”. And on the Falls Road, those garages that had supplies left are now empty. One garage owner on the Falls said last night that he is expecting extra supplies over the weekend.
An SDLP assemblyman claimed last night that senior officials at State Boards in the Derry area were collecting names and addresses from staff in order to obtain petrol permits from the local branch of the UWC.
Michael Canavan accused the officials of “abusing their authority and grievously misleading their staff”. He added that the details had been taken without telling employees who was issuing the permits.
Mr Canavan added: “I would point out to these officials that the UWC is an anti-state agency and should receive no recognition from them.” He would be informing the departments concerned.
It is reported that there are now 20 garages distributing under UWC supervision. But they are patrolled by men dressed in paramilitary uniforms checking drivers’ credentials
Meanwhile, this is likely to be a meat-less weekend for most families. Belfast Abattoir, which slaughters nearly 1,000 cattle and 3,500 lambs a week, has been closed since Thursday. The abattoir supplies several wholesale firms, which in turn supply butchers throughout Belfast, Lisburn and Newtownards.
A spokesman for the Fatstock Marketing Corporation said yesterday: “Nothing has been killed in the abattoir this week except a few animals for humanitarian reasons.
“Our supplies have now run out and there are no more coming in. By dinnertime tomorrow I would say that most butchers – a few may hold a little in reserve – will have nothing left. The outlook is most critical.”
