§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what use his Department has made of private detective agencies or investigators during 1995–96 and 1994–95; what agencies have been employed; for what purpose; and at what cost to his Department. [30567]
§ Mr. SoamesI am aware of only one case where my Department made direct use of the services of a private detective agency or investigator during 1994–95 and 1995–96. This was in respect of a claim for compensation, at a cost of less than £2,000. I understand that solicitors, and an insurance company working for my Department, may sometimes employ inquiry agents when pursuing debtors and in connection with cases involving claims for compensation. While such services are not paid for directly, they may be included in final costs submitted to my Department.