§ Mr. Gregory CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many(a) shootings and (b) bombings there were; and how many devices were defused in Northern Ireland in the five years (i) prior to and (ii) following April 1998. [112612]
§ Jane KennedyThe information requested is set out in the following tables:
Security Situation Statistics
Number of shooting incidents Total incidents 1993–94 426 1994–95 272 1995–96 65 1996–97 140 1997–98 245 1 April 1998 to 9 April 1998 7 Total (prior to Belfast Agreement) 1,155 10 April 1998 to 31 March 1999 180 1999–2000 131 2000–01 331 2001–02 358 2002–03 348 Total (following Belfast Agreement) 1,348 Note:
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 robbery)
Number of bombing incidents Bombing incidents Devices defused 1993–94 278 106 1994–95 132 67 1995–96 — — 1996–97 50 39 1997–98 73 45 1 April 1998 to 9 April 1998 1 1 TOTAL (prior to Belfast Agreement) 534 258 10 April 1998 to 31 March 1999 122 121 1999–2000 66 62 2000–01 177 115 2001–02 318 182 2002–03 178 81 TOTAL (following Belfast Agreement) 861 561 Notes:
Bombing incidents: An individual bombing incident may involve one or more explosive devices. Incidents involving hoax devices, petrol bombings or incendiaries are excluded. During 2001–02 there was an increase in the use of pipe bombs by loyalists.
2002–03 Statistics are provisional and may be subject to minor amendment.