§ 12. Mr. BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will take further steps to gather statistics on the numbers of those exiled from their homes in Northern Ireland by paramilitary organisations. [121156]
§ Mr. IngramCurrently the RUC record figures relating to reported intimidation but paramilitary expulsions cannot be separately identified. Figures on exclusions are particularly hard to calculate, since those affected are often reluctant to notify the police. Exclusions can also vary from temporary decisions to leave a town or area within it and total "exclusion" from Northern Ireland. We would be prepared to explore ways with the police in which the quality of these statistics could be improved, but it is not easy to gather accurate statistics in this area.