HC Deb 10 July 2002 vol 388 cc964-5W
14. Michael Fabricant

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the level of illegal activities by terrorist organisations in Northern Ireland. [65812]

Jane Kennedy

The table provides details of the level of paramilitary activity from both sides during the last year.

Security situation statistics: 29 June2001–28 June 2002
By Loyalists BY Republicans
Number of deaths as a result of the security situation 9 4
Number of shooting incidents 209 115
Number of bombing incidents 271 52
Number of casualties as a result of paramilitary style assaults 81 36
Number of casualties as a result of paramilitary style shootings 110 66

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 (e.g. armed robberies).

3. 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.

N.B. 2002–03 statistics are provisional and may be subject to minor amendment.

27. Mr. Robathan

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the levels of terrorist activity in the Province. [65826]

Jane Kennedy

We keep the security situation under constant review. The Secretary of State receives regular advice from the Acting Chief Constable, the GOC and his security advisers. The Acting Chief Constable is on record as saying that he believes that paramilitaries on both sides have been involved in orchestrating the recent street violence in Belfast. This is a worrying development.