§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is his estimate of the total cost to public funds of the assaults known as punishment beatings in Northern Ireland; and if he will break down the costs in terms of(a) police costs, (b) medical costs and (c) cost of compensation paid to the victims in the last two financial years and the current year to date. [5852]
§ Sir John WheelerIt is not possible to estimate precisely the total cost to public funds of so-called punishment beatings. However, for illustrative purposes, a victim of a punishment attack who suffered a broken leg and spent 10 days in hospital could cost the public purse £9,000 in potential medical and policing costs and subsequent compensation awards. There are believed to have been 563 of these assaults between 1 January 1994 and 25 November 1996. This figure does not include shooting attacks.
503W
§ Mr. RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many punishment beatings have taken place in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years and the current year to date. [5855]
§ Sir John WheelerThe number of punishment assaults for the period 1991 to 25 November 1996 is set out in the table:
Year By loyalist groups By republican groups Total 1991 22 40 62 1992 38 38 76 1993 35 6 41 1994 38 32 70 1995 76 141 217 19961 118 158 276 1 To 25 November 1996. This does not include punishment shootings, which are recorded separately.