§ Mr. Peter Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many claims for compensation arising from terrorist activity have been lodged; how many have been (a) rejected, (b) withdrawn and (c) successful; how many are pending; and what is the total compensation paid to date since 1969.
§ Mr. John PattenIt is sufficient for a claimant under the criminal damage or criminal injury legislation to prove that any damage or injury was caused by persons acting unlawfully. Separate statistics have not therefore been maintained in respect of injuries and damage caused specifically by terrorist organisations.
From 1 April 1968 to 31 May 1982, 140,556 claims have been received in respect of criminal damage to property. Of these, 98,696 have been successful, 35,094 have been dismissed or withdrawn—separate figures are not available—and 6,766 remain unsettled. The total amount of compensation paid out at 31 May 1982 is £400,724,960.
Over the same period 50,071 claims have been received in respect of criminal injuries to persons. Of these, compensation has been paid in 37,503 cases, 6,719 have been dismissed or withdrawn and 5,849 remain unsettled. The total amount of compensation paid out at 31 May 1982 is £71,665,989.
The compensation paid includes advances made in respect of some of the claims unsettled at 31 May 1982.