§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many claims were made against the Merseyside police for compensation following the Toxteth riots in 1981; how many were settled; and how many are still pending;
(2) how many claims for compensation are still outstanding arising from the riots in 1981 in Toxteth, Brixton, Moss Side and Bristol at the latest date.
§ Mr. Giles ShawI assume that the hon. Member has in mind claims for compensation under the Riot (Damages) Act 1886. Responsibility for receiving and considering claims under the Act rests with the local compensation authority. The Home Office is not involved and no central record of claims is kept. I understand from the Receiver, who is the compensation authority for the Metropolitan police district, that eight claims under the 1886 Act arising from the Brixton disturbances in 1981 have not been finally settled.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons were injured by the use of CS canisters during the Toxteth riots in 1981; and how many persons then made claims for damages.
§ Mr. Giles ShawI understand from the chief constable of Merseyside that five people were injured as a result of the police use of 'Ferret' CS cartridges during the disturbances in Toxteth on 6 July 1981. Four of these people have made claims for damages against the chief constable.