§ Mr. Anderson asked the Minister for the Civil Service in what circumstances civil servants may be assisted from public funds in commencing or defending defamation proceedings.
§ Mr. Hayhoe:If a civil servant is injured by the wrongful act of a third party, it is open to him to institute proceedings against the third party. If he applies to his Department for financial assistance in taking proceedings, assistance may be given to him if the Department decides, after consultation with its legal advisers, that it is in the Department's interests that proceedings should be instituted. In determining whether or not a civil servant should be allowed financial assistance or legal representation, Departments are required to consider, in consultation with their legal advisers, whether the act in question was committed within the scope of his employment and whether it is in the interests of the Department to grant assistance.
Mr. Anderson asked the Minister for the Civil Service on how many occasions over the past 10 years civil servants have been assisted from public funds in (a) initiating and (b) defending defamation proceedings.
§ Mr. Hayhoe:I regret that I am unable to provide the information requested in the time available, but I shall write to the hon. Gentleman as soon as possible.