§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many claims for damages have been made to date for alleged injury by plastic bullets fired by (a) the Army and (b) the Royal Ulster Constabulary in Northern Ireland; what have been the results so far; in how many cases liability has been admitted; in how many cases the court has made the findings of liablity; and what is the total sum of damages paid to date.
§ Mr. Hurd[pursuant to his reply, 7 December 1984, c. 298]: 68 claims have been made against the Police Authority for Northern Ireland in respect of injury allegedly caused by plastic baton rounds fired by the police. The courts have made findings of liability in four of these cases. Three other cases have been settled out of court without an admission of liability. The total sum involved in these seven cases was £83,065. Information in respect of similar claims against the Army and in respect of any applications under criminal injuries compensation legislation is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.