HC Deb 24 February 1983 vol 37 cc536-8W
Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many claims for compensation have been made arising from injury or death from the use of plastic bullets in the Province; and how many have been settled to the latest date;

(2) in how many cases regarding injuries sustained by plastic bullets compensation has been awarded; and if he will state the amounts of such awards;

(3) if he will publish in the Official Report the age, sex, date of fatality, and circumstances of sustaining the fatal injury of all those who have died as a result of the use of plastic bullets, and giving the coroner's verdict in each case, for 1981 and 1982.

Mr. Prior

I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons in the Province have sustained injuries from plastic bullets resulting in hospitalisation for periods of (a) over 24 hours, (b) over 48 hours, (c) over seven days and (d) over two weeks and indicating the nature of the injuries in each case from 6 June 1981 to the latest date.

Mr. Prior

Since 17 March 1981, when records of this kind were started, 206 persons have received hospital treatment for injuries allegedly caused by plastic baton rounds. The additional information requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people have so far been killed in Northern Ireland by plastic bullets.

Mr. Prior

[pursuant to his reply, 23 Februay 1983, c. 475]: Eleven.