HC Deb 13 January 1975 vol 884 cc46-9W
Mr. Wm. Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many of the 13 persons shot dead in Londonderry on 30th January 1972 gave a positive reaction when tests were carried out to discover if they had been using firearms or handling them on that day; and what were the names of the persons who gave such a positive reaction;

(2) how many of the persons shot dead in Londonderry on 30th January 1972 gave a positive reaction when tests were carried out to determine if they had been handling or in contact with explosives of any type, namely commercial or mixtures, on that day; and what were the names of such persons.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

I cannot add to the information and conclusions given in the report of the Widgery Tribunal (H.C. 220 1972).

Mr. Wm. Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are the amounts of compensation paid to the relatives or dependants, in each case, of the persons shot dead in Londonderry on 30th January 1972 whose bodies gave a positive reaction to tests to discover if they had been in contact with explosives, or had handled or fired firearms on that day; and what was the name of the dead person in each case.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

The Ministry of Defence has agreed to pay to the relatives or dependants of the men shot dead in Londonderry on 30th January 1972 the following sums:

£
Patrick Joseph Doherty 16,575.35
Gerald Donaghy 850.00
John Francis Duddy 2,422.00
Hugh Pius Gilmore 250.00
Michael Kelly 250.00
Michael McDaid 250.00
Kevin McElhinney 250.00
Bernard McGuigan 3,750.00
Gerald McKinney 13,770.00
William McKinney 1,350.00
William Noel Nash 250.00
James Joseph Wray 1,500.00
John Pius Young 250.00

I would refer the hon. Member to the report of the Widgery Tribunal (H.C. 220, 1972) for information and conclusions on the forensic tests.

1. J. Gallagher 14th August 1969 Armagh
2. P. Rooney 15th August 1969 Divis Street Flats, Belfast
3. W. J. Burns 3rd July 1970 Falls Road, Belfast
4. H. Thornton 7th August 1971 Springfield Road, Belfast
5. W. J. Ferris 10th August 1971 Crumlin Road, Belfast
6. J. J. Parker 10th December 1971 Butler Street, Belfast
7. P. J. Doherty 30th January 1972 Londonderry
8. G. Donaghy 30th January 1972 Londonderry
9. J. F. Duddy 30th January 1972 Londonderry
10. H. P. Gilmore 30th January 1972 Londonderry
11. M. Kelly 30th January 1972 Londonderry
12. M. McDaid 30th January 1972 Londonderry
13. K. McElhinney 30th January 1972 Londonderry
14. B. McGuigan 30th January 1972 Londonderry
15. G. McKinney 30th January 1972 Londonderry
16. W. McKinney 30th January 1972 Londonderry
17. W. N. Nash 30th January 1972 Londonderry
18. J. J. Wray 30th January 1972 Londonderry
19. J. P. Young 30th January 1972 Londonderry
20. P. J. McVeigh 13th May 1972 Crumlin Road, Belfast
21. M. J. Deery 19th May 1972 Londonderry
22. W. J. Bell 5th December 1972 Berwick Road, Belfast.

Mr. Wm. Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in how many cases compensation has been paid to the relatives or dependants of persons shot by the security forces in Northern Ireland since 1st August 1969 whose bodies gave a positive reaction when tests were carried out to determine if they had been in contact with firearms, had fired firearms shortly before being shot, or who had a positive reaction to tests for handling or being in contact with explosives; when and where they were shot; and what were the individual amounts of compensation.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

I regret that the information is not readily available and I will write to the hon. Member.

Mr. Wm. Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether it is intended that compensation will be paid to the relations or dependants of all persons shot dead by the Army or other members of the security forces in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Any claims submitted will be considered on their merits.

Mr. Wm. Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in how many cases compensation has been paid to persons shot dead by the security forces in Northern Ireland since 1st August 1969; what were the names of the persons killed; when and where they were shot.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Other than under the Criminal Injuries to Persons (Compensation) Act (Northern Ireland) 1968, compensation has been paid in respect of the following persons shot dead by the security forces on the dates and at the places specified:

Mr. Wm. Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, of the persons known to have been shot by the security forces in Northern Ireland since 1st August 1969, how many were Roman Catholics and how many were Protestants; and in how many cases compensation was paid.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Other than under the Criminal Injuries to Persons (Compensation) Act (Northern Ireland) 1968, compensation has been paid in respect of 22 persons shot dead by the security forces in Northern Ireland since 1st August 1969. No record is kept of their religion.