§ Mr. ThurnhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he is taking to pursue the recommendations made by the Public Accounts Committee in its report of 19 November 1987 that the Department should recover social security benefits when awards of damages in tort are made; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ScottFollowing consideration of the report, we have appointed management consultants Touche Ross to establish how much would be recoverable to DHSS if 100 per cent. of social security benefits were recovered from awards paid in consequence of an injury. The consultants will also assess the administrative implications of an effective recovery scheme for insurance companies and DHSS. We expect a report in April 1988 and will consider its findings before deciding whether and, if so, how to proceed with a recovery scheme.