§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what new measures he proposes to expedite compensation payments to patients arising from medical negligence or to bereaved relations or dependants in the case of a deceased patient; and if he is satisfied that the current levels of compensation payments allocated to such patients are adequate.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeHealth authorities are responsible for handling legal claims for compensation. In our guidance on the release of information in legal cases, we urge authorities to be as helpful as possible. I would hope that no health authority would cause needless delay in resolving a claim. Levels of compensation are for the courts to decide in the light of the particular circumstances of a case or for the parties concerned to agree between themselves.