§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what account is taken of damage to a person's reputation when calculating compensation for false imprisonment;
(2) if the wrongful conduct of a responsible public servant is taken into account when assessing compensation for anyone falsely imprisoned; and if the awards include any element of exemplary or punitive damages.
§ Mr. WhitelawThe procedure followed by the independent assessor, who advises the Secretary of State on the amount of compensation to be paid on a particular case, and the factors which he takes into account are explained in a memorandum which is sent to all persons to whom it has been decided in principle to pay compensation. The text of this memorandum was published in theOfficial Report in answer to a written question on 29 July 1976.—[Vol. 916, c. 328.] I am sending a copy to the right hon. Member.