§ Mr. AshleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many ex-service people have claimed ex-gratia payments after being injured whilst serving; what payments have been made; how many people are still awaiting settlement; and when he expects to reach decisions on the outstanding claims.
§ Mr. FreemanComplete records are not available for the period before 8 December 1986, when my hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence announced that, pending repeal of section 10 of the Crown Proceedings Act 1947, claims for personal injuries to service personnel would be considered for settlement on an ex-gratia basis. In respect of the period from 8 December 1986 to 15 May 1987, when section 10 was repealed, seven claims have been received from ex-service people. A decision to make a payment has been taken in one case, two claims have been rejected and four are still under investigation. Decisions will be taken on the four outstanding claims as soon as inquiries have been completed.