HC Deb 15 May 1969 vol 783 cc1619-20
23. Mr. Ian Gilmour

asked the Postmaster-General on what criteria he decides the amount of compensation to be awarded to those people who are injured in resisting raids on post offices.

Mr. Joseph Slater

Compensation for these injuries is mainly the responsibility of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board.

If it does not make an award we consider an ex gratia payment of up to £50 for personal loss and damage.

Mr. Gilmour

Will the Minister reconsider the standards? Is he aware that in a recent case a 60-year old sub-postmaster was blinded while resisting thugs, and was given the derisory sum of £25?

Mr. Slater

If it is the case that I think the hon. Gentleman has in mind, the sub-postmaster received a bravery award from the Post Office. Compensation comes under an Act for which the hon. Gentleman's Government were responsible, and which I think was right and proper, and claims for compensation for injury and damage should be made under that Act. Where we can assist by an ex gratia payment, we do that.

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