§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether there is a disparity between the compensation payments to prisoners ill-treated while in custody and the compensation payments to victims of terrorism; and if he will take steps to remedy this defect.
§ Mr. Merlyn Rees, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 10th December 1975] gave the following information:
Prisoners who allege that they were ill treated while in custody may seek redress at common law in an action for damages in tort. Victims of terrorism may claim compensation for personal injuries under the Criminal Injuries to Persons (Compensation) Act (Northern Ireland) 1968.
The bases of assessment and entitlement to compensation in these two circumstances are different. It is not appropriate to seek to draw comparisons. As the hon. Member is aware, I have instituted a review of the 1968 Act.