§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his estimate of departmental expenditure on firearms compensation and related costs in(a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–00 and how these figures differ from those assumed in the departmental spending plans contained in the "Financial Statement and Budget Report 1997–98"; and if he will make a statement. [11248]
§ Mr. MichaelThe expected costs of the compensation for firearms and ancillary equipment was set out at the time of the parliamentary debates on the compensation scheme and the current Firearms (Amendment) Bill.
The present estimate of expenditure on compensation and related costs arising from the implementation of the 147W Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 and the Firearms (Amendment) Bill is as follows:
£ million 1997–98 1998–99 Compensation payments 115 45 Administrative costs 5 1 Total 120 46 No expenditure is expected in 1999–00.
No specific provision was made for firearms compensation in the "Financial Statement and Budget Report 1997–98" although the cost of compensation was identified as a potential claim on the reserve.