HC Deb 01 November 1976 vol 918 cc473-5W
Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, in view of the fact that the residents of Sallia Avenue, Carrickfergus, have had their homes flooded during the past five years and recently extensive damage has again been done, what steps he is now going to take to prevent such flooding in the future; and what arrangements he has will publish a comparison between the maximum penalties provided in Northern Ireland, and the Irish Republic, respectively, for membership of illegal organisations and other offences connected with terrorism.

Mr. Mason

The following lists cover serious offences often connected with terrorism in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. They are based on Schedule 1 to the Criminal Jurisdiction Act 1975 with the addition of the offences of belonging to illegal organisations. These lists do not claim to be comprehensive; terrorists may commit offences under virtually any statute in the criminal law.

made to pay compensation to these flood victims which include retirement age pensioners.

Mr. Carter

It is proposed to install a different type of grill at the upstream end of the culverted section of the Buskin Burn, which should greatly improve the position in future. I regret that legislatively it is not possible to meet claims for compensation for damage arising out of this flooding.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, in view of the fact the residents of Brook Street, Ahoghill, have had their homes flooded during the past two years and recently extensive damage has again been done, what steps he is now going to take to prevent such flooding in the future; and what arrangements he has made to pay compensation to these retirement pensioners.

Mr. Carter

It is hoped to commence work next year on a new drainage scheme. Temporary arrangements, involving the piping of the section of water course which gave rise to the recent flooding. have been made. I regret that legislatively it is not possible to meet claims for compensation for damage arising out of this flooding.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what arrangements he has made to deal with claims for compensation for those whose homes in Northern Ireland have been damaged as the result of recent flooding.

Mr. Carter

None. Claims for such damage are normally dealt with by the ordinary legal processes, but claimants would usually have to prove that the responsible Government Department was negligent in carrying out its statutory functions.

Forward to