HL Deb 04 July 1991 vol 530 cc75-6WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether it is the case, as reported in the Sunday Express on 16th June, that police officers driving police cars on duty are covered only by third party insurance and whether they will now take steps to ensure that all public employees are, in the course of their duties, comprehensively insured.

The Minister of State, Home Office (Earl Ferrers)

Police officers are not comprehensively insured because Parliament has approved specific provision under the Police (Injury Benefit) and Pensions Regulations for police officers, who are injured while on duty, to receive compensation. Nevertheless the issue of injury compensation including personal accident insurance is currently being examined by the Police Negotiating Board. I am aware that the Staff Side of the Police Negotiating Board is revising its earlier claim, and, if there are any gaps in the existing provisions, we will look at them sympathetically.

The position for the other public employees will depend on the circumstances of their appointment and any relevant regulations.