HC Deb 13 November 1974 vol 881 cc168-9W
Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the total amount of claims for bomb and fire damage in Northern Ireland still awaiting payment; and what is the longest length of time that some of these cases have been awaiting settlement.

Mr. Orme

The records on criminal injuries compensation are not compiled on a basis from which outstanding claims for property damaged by bomb and fire can be readily identified without a disproportionate use of staff time. The number of unsettled claims to compensation for all categories of malicious damage to property in Northern Ireland on 31st October 1974 was 34,301 and the total estimated cost to public funds in settlement of these cases is £50 million.

A small number of claims notified in 1969 have not yet been settled. These are mainly cases where public liability to pay compensation has not yet been established by the claimant in a Northern Ireland county court.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the total amount of compensation paid out in Northern Ireland since the start of the present emergency.

Mr. Orme

In the period from 1st April 1969 to 31st October 1974, £10,737,501 was paid out in compensation for criminal injuries to persons and £84,794,189 in respect of malicious damage to property, a total of £95,531,690.