HC Deb 28 April 1976 vol 910 cc94-5W
Mr. McCusker

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish the amount of compensation paid to individuals who have suffered no physical injury as a result of the bombing in Northern Ireland but claim to be suffering from nervous debility, anxiety, etc.

Mr. Concannon

The records of criminal injuries to persons are not compiled on a basis on which the information requested can be provided without disproportionate effort. However, a sample survey, carried out recently by the Northern Ireland Office, of awards made or approved by the courts under the Criminal Injuries to Persons (Compensation) Act (Northern Ireland) 1968 showed that about 30 per cent. of awards in the sample were exclusively for mental or nervous shock resulting from bombing or other causes, such as gunfire. Awards ranged from £50 to £4,000, the average being about £400.