§ 39. Mr. Hoosonasked the Attorney-General whether he is satisfied that the awards of damages for loss of expectation of life under the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1934 remain adequate in the light of inflation over the past 10 years.
§ The Attorney-General (Mr. S. C. Silkin)The conventional sum usually awarded by the courts for loss of expectation of life has varied from £200 in 1941 to £500 by 1966 and to £750 by 1973. I am not aware of any more recent variation.
The whole principle of damages for loss of expectation of life or for bereavement is within the terms of reference of the Royal Commission on Civil Liability and Compensation for Personal Injury.
§ Mr. HoosonWhile I accept that it is right that the Royal Commission should look at the principle of the award, may I ask whether, from his experience, the right hon. and learned Gentleman agrees that lay people in particular find it difficult to understand the ludicrously low award given for loss of expectancy of life? Does he not also agree in principle that the sums awarded should now be very much higher, if only in the light of inflation?
§ The Attorney-GeneralAs I am certain the hon. and learned Gentleman is aware, the whole issue to which he refers is the issue between the basis of the present compensation which goes to the executors and compensation for bereavement, which is a totally different thing. One can well understand what the hon. 24 and learned Gentleman said with regard to that. That is entirely a matter for the Royal Commission to investigate, and it is considering that very question.
§ Mr. BuckCan the right hon. and learned Gentleman tell us something about the timetable which he envisages for the Royal Commission, so that we may know when we shall get some of the answers to the questions raised by the hon. and learned Member for Montgomery (Mr. Hooson)?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe Royal Commission expects to complete its work early next year and to publish its report as soon as possible thereafter.