§ 29. Mr. Loveridgeasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what compensation is paid by the civil authorities to the next of kin of soldiers, and of civil servants, killed whilst serving in Northern Ireland; and how this differs from compensation for those killed in ordinary accidents.
§ Mr. David HowellCompensation is available under the Criminal Injuries to Persons (Compensation) Act (Northern Ireland) 1968 to the next of kin of any person killed in Northern Ireland by a criminal act. It is for the courts to assess the amount of compensation. Where persons are killed in ordinary accidents compensation may be paid to the next of kin only as a result of civil actions brought by them against the party responsible for the accident.