Mr. J. Enoch Powellasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what sums were received each year from 1972–73 to the latest available year in respect of insurances effected by Northern Ireland Departments; and what was the annual net cost of such insurances.
§ Mr. AlisonThe sums received each year from 1972–73 to the latest available year—1978–79—in respect of insurance effected by Northern Ireland departments and the annual net cost of such insurance are given below.
Due to the reorganisation of local government, redistribution of functions between Northern Ireland Government Departments and changes in accounting procedures during the years 1972–73 and 1973–74 it is not possible to produce full figures for these years.
Year Sum received £ Net cost £ 1972–73 27,483 22,564* 1973–74 105,513 194,116* 1974–75 295,096 175,699 1975–76 565,055 54,876 1976–77 332,036 539,347 1977–78 328,394 501,739 1978–79 777,874 849,651 Total 2,431,451 2,337,992 * Incomplete. Outstanding claims are expected to be settled for sums totalling approximately £2,444,000.
The marked difference between the net cost in 1975–76 and in 1976–77 results from higher than average claim settlements in the first of these years and increased premiums in the second.