Private Simon Jeans

HC Deb 15 October 1996 vol 282 cc872-3W

Mr. Wareing

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Croatian Government in respect of the murder of Private Simon Jeans serving with IFOR; if compensation is being claimed from Croatia; and if he will make a statement. [40555]

Sir Nicholas Bonsor

We have made clear our grave concern at the incident leading to the tragic death of Private Simon Jeans. The Croatian authorities have arrested and charged with manslaughter four people in connection with his death. They are due to appear in court in Croatia on 23 October. British IFOR commanders remain in very close contact with the Croatian authorities. It is for the family of Private Simon Jeans to consider claiming compensation once the outcome of the Croatian authorities' investigation is known. The broader question of UK criminal injuries compensation for service men and women killed in the former Yugoslavia is being examined by the Government.