§ 32. Mr. John MarshallTo ask the Attorney-General what is the current jurisdiction of the small claims court.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralFrom 1 July 1991, defended money claims for an amount not exceeding £1,000 are referred to arbitration in a county court under the small claims procedure. Claims above £1,000 may be referred to arbitration if one of the parties so requests and the district judge agrees.
§ Mr. MarshallCan cases for personal injury be referred to the small claims court in the same way as cases for minor debt?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralYes, Sir. Personal injury cases can be dealt with in the small claims court either if the plaintiff recognises that the damages will be genuinely small and limits the claim to £1,000 or if an application to do so is made to the district judge and he agrees.