§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to extend the small claims courts' powers to cover consumers whose health has been prejudiced by food retailers. [30542]
Mr. John M. TaylorClaims made by consumers who believe that their health has been prejudiced by food can already be dealt with in the small claims court, if the damages claimed do not exceed £1,000. No change in this limit is recommended by Lord Woolf.
§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what is his policy following Lord Woolf's recommendation that the small claims limit should be increased to £3,000, on whether a full consultation should take place before a final decision on a new limit is made; and if he will make a statement. [30699]
Mr. TaylorLord Woolf consulted widely in the preparation of his interim report. In view of this, the Lord Chancellor does not intend to undertake further public consultation on the question whether he should implement Lord Woolf s recommendation that the limit for small claims, other than those for personal injury, should be raised to £3,000. The power to make the necessary amendments rests with the County Court Rule Committee which, as part of its consideration of the matter, consults interested parties.