HC Deb 08 March 1979 vol 963 cc808-9W
Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the estimated amount of damage done by Irish Republican Army bombings during the past six months; and how this figure compares with the same months in each of the past five years.

Mr. Concannon

The records on criminal damage compensation to property are not compiled on a basis which distinguishes between Irish Republican Army bombings and damage caused by other terrorist organisations. The number of claims for compensation received for all types of criminal damage in the six months ended 28 February 1979 and in the corresponding periods in each of the last five years is as follows:

Six months ended 28 February
1979 2,244
1978 2,586
1977 4,164
1976 6,322
1975 4,786
1974 10,543
The value of the claims relating to the above periods cannot be obtained without a disproportionate use of staff time.