HC Deb 06 July 1994 vol 246 cc226-7W
Mr. Worthington

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what have been the total amounts recovered by the compensation recovery unit in each year since its formation;

(2) in how many cases since its formation the compensation recovery unit has reclaimed money from the bereaved;

(3) what have been the amounts recovered by the compensation recovery unit in each year since its formation from sufferers of asbestos-related diseases or their surviving relatives.

Mr. Scott

The administration of the compensation recovery unit is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Michael Bichard to Mr. Tony Worthington, dated 5 July 1994: The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions asking in each year since its formation (i) the total amounts recovered by the Compensation Recovery Unit, (ii) in how many cases it has reclaimed money from the bereaved, (iii) what amounts have been recovered from sufferers of asbestosis related diseases or their surviving relatives. The total amounts recovered by the Compensation Recovery Unit (CRU) are as follows:

Period Amount Recovered £ million
1 April 1990–31 March 1991 3.7
1 April 1991–31 March 1992 25.3
1 April 1992–31 March 1993 51.3
1 April 1993–31 March 1994 81.9

The full range of information for your other questions is not available because this information prior to 1993 is no longer held on the CRU computer system. However, I can tell you that in the period 1 April 1993–31 March 1994 there were 170 recoveries made in cases involving deceased claimants and in the same period £408,665 recovered in relation to asbestosis (the system is not designed to identify asbestosis related diseases).I hope you find this reply helpful.