§ Mr. Freesonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the reply to the right hon. Member for Brent, East on 4 March, Official Report, c. 214, if he will give the total number of claims for damages for alleged injury prior to 12 May 1981.
§ Mr. John Patten[pursuant to his reply, 15 March 1982, c. 30]: The police authority for Northern Ireland 185W received prior to 12 May 1981 a total of 1,147 civil damages claims for alleged injuries. This figure includes both claims for injuries allegedly caused by baton rounds, and other types of civil claims for injuries.
The Ministry of Defence received prior to 12 May 1981 a total of 2,598 civil claims. This figure comprises all civil claims for alleged injuries—including injuries allegedly caused by baton rounds—and claims for damages to property. The precise information requested in respect of claims received by the Ministry of Defence could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.