HL Deb 24 July 1991 vol 531 c62WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will provide appropriate legal advice to any serviceman injured in the course of the work he has been ordered to do in Kuwait for Royal Ordnance plc, so that he may secure compensation from the firm at a civilian rather than a military level.

The Earl of Arran

Servicemen are free to seek compensation through the courts if they feel that they have a claim against a third party on the grounds of negligence; but such a claim is a private matter and it would be inappropriate for the MoD to intervene in such a dispute. Levels of compensation awarded through the courts make no distinction between civilian and military personnel.

Any servicemen injured as a result of their duties will, of course, automatically be eligible for sick pay and benefits under the armed forces pension scheme.