§ Sir Anthony GrantTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many cases of negligence or breach of statutory duty have been brought against(a) his Department and (b) health authorities in the last three years; whether such claims were covered by insurance; how much money was paid on settlement; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what requirements are placed by his Department on regional and district health authorities to insure against negligence or breach of statutory duty.
§ Mrs. CurrieNeither the Department nor health authorities insure against claims relating to negligence or breach of statutory duty but carry their own risks.
The total compensation payments by health authorities for the last three years, including compensation for injuries to persons, damages to property and damages for unfair dismissal were as follows.
£ Cases 1984–85 5,538,597 3,397 1985–86 8,454,202 3,702 1986–87 11,469,925 4,244 Settlements by the Department in respect of claims for personal injury to members of staff and the public in their dealings with social security local offices were
£ Cases 1984–85 28,000 14 1985–86 48,000 26 1986–87 23,000 19 (Excludes small claims settled locally).
Figures are not routinely collected on cases where no payment is made.