HC Deb 05 December 2001 vol 376 cc319-20W
8. Mr. Goodman

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on paramilitary violence in Northern Ireland since 1 November. [18101]

Jane Kennedy

The main republican paramilitary groups' ceasefires are still holding. However, dissidents continue to pose a threat.

The main loyalist paramilitary groups UDA/UFF, and the smaller group LVF, have been specified on 23 October. The Secretary of State keeps all ceasefires under review.

However, during the month paramilitary groups on both sides have continued to exercise control over their communities through fear and acts of intimidation.

The Government utterly condemn all paramilitary violence and intimidation and remain resolute in the fight against terrorism.

A copy of the security statistics from 15 November to 27 November is as follows:

Security situation statistics 1–27 November 2001
Number
Deaths 1
Shooting incidents 27
Bombing incidents 17
Casualties as a result of Paramilitary:
Assaults 6
Shootings 13

Notes:

1.Includes all deaths due to the security situation.

2.The following types of incidents are included:

Shots fired by terrorists

Shots fired by the security forces

Paramilitary style attacks involving shootings

Shots heard (and later confirmed)

Other violent incidents where shots are fired (eg armed robbery)

4.An individual bombing incident may involve one or more explosive devices. Incidents recorded include explosions and defusings. Incidents involving hoax devices, petrol bombings or incendiaries are excluded.

2.2001 statistics are provisional and may be subject to minor amendment.

16. Mr. Brazier

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the level of violence and intimidation by paramilitary groups. [18109]

Jane Kennedy

Terrorist violence has remained at a significant level. The following table gives a breakdown of that violence from 1 January 2001 to 26 November 2001.

Security situation statistics 1 January-26 November 2001
Number
Deaths 14
Shooting incidents 329
Bombing incidents 325
Casualties as a result of Paramilitary:
Assaults 128
Shootings 174

Notes:

1.2001 statistics are provisional and may be subject to minor amendment.

2.Includes all deaths due to the security situation.

3.The following types of incidents are included:

Shots fired by terrorists

Shots fired by the security forces

Paramilitary style attacks involving shootings

Shots heard (and later confirmed)

Other violent incidents where shots are fired (eg armed robbery)

4.An individual bombing incident may involve one or more explosive devices. Incidents recorded include explosions and defusings. Incidents involving hoax devices, petrol bombings or incendiaries are excluded.