§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will list the emergency services available to assist householders and businessmen in Northern Ireland whose premises have been damaged by bomb explosions.
§ Mr. Peter MillsThe aftermath of a bomb explosion involves a wide variety of people ranging from the security forces to those responsible for cleansing services.
The main schemes of assistance to householders and businessmen whose premises have been damaged are as follows:
Compensation
252WSubject to certain conditions, the Criminal Injuries Acts 1956–70 enable anyone who has suffered malicious damage to his property, to apply to the County Court for compensation. This applies to all types of property, industrial, commercial and domestic.First-Aid Repairs to Residential Property
The Ministry of Community Relations operates a scheme for making damaged residential property wind and weatherproof and thus habitable again as soon as possible. If re-housing is required, this is arranged by the Welfare Authorities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.Immediate Help for Shopkeepers, Traders and Businessmen
An emergency finance service has been established by the Ministry of Finance to help traders, shopkeepers and businessmen to recommence trade quickly.The Ministry of Commerce can help manufacturers and ancillary industries to move into temporary premises. Grants and loans are available towards the removal, installation and replacement costs of buildings, plant, machinery, equipment and stock.
A leaflet providing details of compensation schemes is distributed in areas affected by an explosion. I am sending a copy to my hon. Friend.