Funeral Expenses

Part of Orders of the Day — Northern Ireland (Location of Victims' Remains) Bill – in the House of Commons am 7:30 pm ar 12 Mai 1999.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Dr Norman Godman Dr Norman Godman Llafur, Greenock and Inverclyde 7:30, 12 Mai 1999

I support the new clauses in principle. To his credit, the hon. Gentleman has raised some important issues. Despite what the hon. Member for Belfast, South (Rev. Martin Smyth) said about the alleged terrorist involvement of some of the victims, I would have thought that most of them were entirely innocent. I am thinking about two of the families that I met. I would like confirmation from my right hon. Friend the Minister that some help would be given to families on low incomes.

I think that the Northern Ireland Department of Health and Social Services would be amenable to applications for assistance, but would that be confined to those on the state pension or income support? The plea of the hon. Member for Montgomeryshire (Mr. Öpik) should be given a sympathetic hearing.

I think that access to compensation should be as straightforward as possible and there should not be the usual lengthy legal delays.