HC Deb 22 December 1988 vol 144 c449W
Mr. A. Cecil Walker

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many civilian fatalities have occurred as a result of unrest in the Province during the period 1 January 1970 to 31 October 1985; and how many of these fatalities have been attributed to(a) Loyalist paramilitaries, (b) Republican paramilitaries, (c) security forces, (d) the Royal Ulster Constabulary, and (e) unidentified forces.

Mr. Ian Stewart

During the period 1 January 1970 to 31 October 1985, a total of 1,693 civilians were killed as a result of the security situation in Northern Ireland. This total included suspected terrorists killed by their own devices. It is not possible to state with certainty which paramilitary organisation was responsible for every murder, but, as far as can be ascertained, the breakdown of these deaths is as follows:—

  1. (a) Deaths attributed to Loyalist paramilitary organisations—between 600 and 700.
  2. (b) Deaths attributed to Republican paramilitary organisations—between 700 and 800.
In addition, 225 deaths were attributed to the Army (including the UDR), and 33 to the RUC.