§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many people are known to have left Northern Ireland because of terrorist threats between 1 January and 30 June 2000; and how the total compares with the same period in 1999. [HL3246]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonThere are no figures of this sort available.
§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
What proposals they have to combat punishment beatings and the threats by terrorist groups which force people to leave Northern Ireland. [HL 3247]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonParamilitary style attacks by their nature are difficult to combat, as are cases of intimidation which may result in people leaving Northern Ireland. Police investigations of such offences are often hampered when victims generally decline to make a formal complaint.
It is therefore important that members of communities within which these attacks are taking place pass to police any relevant information. They may do so in strict confidence using the Crimestoppers line. They should be encouraged by all community leaders to do so.