HC Deb 26 November 1985 vol 87 c533W
Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many claims have been made for compensation following the Toxteth disturbances in 1985.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

Five claims have been made for compensation following the Toxteth disturbances in the current year. The Merseyside county council, as statutory compensating authority, is investigating these claims.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many claims for compensation have now been settled following the Toxteth riots in 1981.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

The Merseyside county council has now settled 440 of the 723 claims received for riot damage compensation arising from the disturbances in Toxteth and other areas of Merseyside in 1981. Of those remaining, 276 claims were either withdrawn or rejected as not being eligible.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the lowest settlement agreed for compensation to date following the Toxteth riots in 1981; and what was the highest.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

Merseyside county council was responsible under the Riot Damages Act 1886 for settling compensation claims following the disturbances in Toxteth. Details of individual settlements are confidential to the county council and the claimants. I am not in a position therefore to state the highest or lowest settlements agreed for compensation.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many claims for compensation are still outstanding arising from the Toxteth riots in 1981.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

Following the Toxteth disturbances in 1981, the Merseyside county council, as statutory compensating authority, received 723 claims for compensation. Of those received, seven remain to be settled including cases where the claimants have not pursued their claims either following an offer by the county council or where contact has been lost with the claimant.