HC Deb 26 July 1985 vol 83 cc878-9W
Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many service men or women or their families have made representations to his Department regarding section 10 of the Crown Proceedings Act 1974, either (a) individually, (b) through a representative or (c) through their Member of Parliament in each year since 1979.

Mr. Lee

Since 1979 my Department has received a total of 13 representations by former members of the armed forces and the families of current and former members about the general effect of section 10 of the Crown Proceedings Act 1947. The figures broken down by year are:

Year Number
1982 1 (individually)
1984 5 (four individually and one individually and through a Member of Parliament)
1985* 7 (all through Members of Parliament)
* To date.

These figures do not include parliamentary questions or inquiries relating to individual cases. The figure for 1985 includes one case originally raised in 1984 and also included in the figure for that year.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when the current review of section 10 of the Crown Proceedings Act 1974 began; when it is expected to be completed; what form it has taken; whether evidence was sought from men orwomen or their families disabled or killed whilst in the forces; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lee

An interdepartmental working group of officials from the Ministry of Defence and other Government Departments concerned was established in October 1983 to review the operation and effects of section 10 of the Crown Proceedings Act 1947. The working group's findings are currently being considered by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence, and an announcement will be made as soon as decisions are taken.

While the working group did not take evidence in a formal way, it did take account of all the views which have been expressed both by former members of the armed forces and the families of current and former members who have written to the Ministry of Defence during the review, and by members of the public, and not least by Members of Parliament.