§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what insurance cover exists for lay visitors visiting magistrates courts or police stations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThere is no insurance cover as such for lay visitors, but lay visitors within the Metropolitan police district have been informed that sympathetic consideration will be given to paying compensation, on an ex gratia basis, to any lay visitor who suffers injury or loss or damage to personal property while carrying out his or her duties as a lay visitor. Claims will be paid out of the Metropolitan police fund. Lay visitors were advised of the arrangements in a circular letter dated 2 March 1988.
Arrangements outside the Metropolitan police district are a matter for the police authority concerned.