§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what plans he has to establish a Criminal Injuries Compensation Board to determine compensation for people in Northern Ireland injured by terrorism;
(2) what plans he has to reduce recourse to the courts in cases of compensation for criminal injuries suffered by (a) civilians or (b) serving military personnel;
186W(3) if he will make it his policy to maintain the entitlement of serving military personnel injured by terrorist action in Northern Ireland to pursue in court within the normal rules for eligibility for legal aid claims against the Government for compensation.
§ Sir John WheelerMy right hon. Friend the Home Secretary proposes to issue a White Paper shortly outlining proposals for a new tariff-based compensation scheme in Great Britain. I will study the White Paper carefully before considering whether there are lessons to be learnt for Northern Ireland. If changes are, in consequence, proposed to the current Northern Ireland criminal injuries compensation scheme, I will then consult widely with all interested parties.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many claims for compensation as a result of injuries caused to(a) civilians and (b) serving military personnel by terrorist action in Northern Ireland were settled (i) by judicial decision and (ii) out of court in the most recent year for which figures are available.
§ Sir John WheelerI am advised by the chief executive of the Northern Ireland Compensation Agency that the information requested is as follows: 187W
Settled by court (c) Settled out of court 1992–93 Civilians (a) 88 1,502 Military personnel (b) 3 153 Notes:
(a) Includes members of the RUC and RUC(R).
(b) Comprises Army and UDR/RIR (full and part-time).
(c) Settled by county courts and the High Court.