HC Deb 14 December 1976 vol 922 cc665-6W
Mr. Gow

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many ex-soldiers there are who have been wounded as a result of the negligence of their fellow soldiers in Northern Ireland since 1st January 1970 and who are in receipt of 100 per cent. disability pensions; and how many soldiers are currently at the Chaseley Home, Eastbourne.

Mr. Robert C. Brown

Assessment of disability pensions is a matter for the Department of Health and Social Security. I am informed that one such soldier is currently at the Chaseley Home, Eastbourne.

Mr. Gow

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines have been wounded, and how many killed, since 1st January 1970 as a result of being shot accidentally by fellow Service men; and in how many cases his Department has made an ex gratia payment to the Service man in the case of injury and to his dependants in the case of death.

Mr. Robert C. Brown

Statistical information on the numbers of Service men wounded or killed in such circumstances since 1st January 1970 is not available and cannot be obtained without disproportionate effort. Since 1st January 1970 no ex gratia award has been made in such a case where a common law claim is barred under Section 10 of the Crown Proceedings Act.

Mr. Gow

asked the Secretary of State for Defence in how many cases where a soldier serving in Northern Ireland since 1st January 1970 has been shot dead or wounded by the negligence of his fellow soldier has an ex gratia payment been made by his Department to the dependents of the dead soldier or to the wounded soldier.

Mr. Robert C. Brown

Since 1st January 1970 no ex gratia payment has been made by my Department in such a case where a common law claim is barred under Section 10 of the Crown Proceedings Act.