§ Mr. Pattieasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when he expects to reach a decision in the claim for compensation by Police Constable David Coldman following a fire in his police house on 25th October 1976;
(2) what are the reasons for the delay in reaching a decision in the case of Police Constable David Coldman.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesAuthority to make an ex-gratia payment to Police Constable Coldman in settlement of his claim for compensation was given to the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis on 3rd February. The circumstances in this case were exceptional, and raised difficult issues of law and principle. I regret, however, the length of time which consideration of the case has taken.