§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will set out the basis on which some non-statutory liabilities are described as unquantifiable at page 23 of his Department's expenditure plans 1999–2000 to 2001–02, Cm 4208. [81576]
§ Mr. George RobertsonBecause of the nature of the liabilities involved, it is not always possible to quantify accurately the potential contingent liability or to provide a realistic estimate of the likely charge that would result if the liabilities were to mature. In these cases, the term "unquantifiable" is used to describe the liabilities in question. If the indemnities were to be called upon, provision for any payment would be sought through the Supply procedure.