§ 8. Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will introduce legislation for a scheme to have an adequate system of compensation for dependants of Royal Ulster Constabulary men murdered by the IRA.
§ Mr. ConcannonArrangements already exist for providing compensation to the dependants of RUC men who are murdered.
§ Rev. Ian PaisleyIs the hon. Gentleman aware of the case of the son of one of my constituents, Constable David Houston, who was murdered by the IRA? In an agreed settlement, his young daughter had apportioned to her the meagre, mean sum of £750. Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that this sum is totally inadequate? Would he be prepared to look into the matter and consider whether a regular scheme of compensation could be arranged for the dependants of RUC men murdered by the IRA?
§ Mr. ConcannonI would not want to take issue with the hon. Gentleman across 609 the Floor of the House on this case, but I must tell him that the facts I have about it do not accord with those he has stated. This was an agreed settlement. If it had not been, the court would have been called upon to adjudicate. The facts I have about the case are substantially different from those of the hon. Gentleman. Perhaps he and I can discuss the case outside rather than across the Floor of the House. I think that would be the better course to pursue.
§ Rev. Ian PaisleyI thank the hon. Gentleman.