§ Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people have been killed or wounded by terrorist activity in Northern Ireland in the period since the breakout of prisoners from the Maze prison on 25 September to the latest available date and in a similar period of time before the breakout; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Scott[pursuant to his reply, 12 December 1983]: From the date of the escape from the Maze prison on 25 September up until 3 December there were 22 deaths and 173 injuries resulting from the security situation in Northern Ireland. This compares with 11 deaths and 121 injuries in a similar 10-week period—from 17 July—prior to the escape. Although the Maze escape was an obvious propaganda coup for PIRA, it is not thought to have been a significant factor behind the subsequent increase in casualties.