HC Deb 03 July 1972 vol 840 cc41-2W
Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Minister of State for Defence what were the Army casualties in Londonderry in the 70 days before 24th March, 1972, and the 70 days after that date, respectively.

Mr. G. Johnson Smith

I regret that it is not possible without disproportionate effort to provide statistics relating to Londonderry alone. In the Army brigade area which covers County Londonderry, part of County Antrim and part of County Tyrone, the following Army casualties were caused by terrorist and other hostile actions: —

14th January–24th March 24th March–2nd June
Regular Army killed 2* 5
Regular Army wounded. 36 32
U.D.R. killed 1 —
U.D.R. wounded — 1
* This figure includes one death which resulted from wounds caused prior to 14th January.

Mr. Stewart-Smith

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will make a further statement on the provision of compensation for the relatives of the men killed in Londonderry on 30th January, 1972.

Lord Balniel

Before 22nd June counsel for the Crown had two meetings with counsel for the claimants, who—it is understood—had full instructions on behalf of their clients. Since then a further meeting has been held between counsel.

Writs have been issued in four cases and appearance has been entered by the Department. The entry of appearance to a writ is a formal step and does not indicate that negotiations have broken down or are non-existent.