§ Mr. O'HaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assistance is normally given to members of the armed forces in pursuing claims against third parties in foreign countries for compensation for injuries incurred in the course of their duties on service abroad. [17672]
§ Mr. SoamesThere is no general provision for such assistance to service or civilian employees. Some advisory assistance to members of the armed forces serving abroad may be given by service legal officers where appropriate, but this would not extend to meeting the costs of any legal action that an individual might wish to pursue. My Department does however operate a discretionary ex-gratia criminal injury compensation scheme for members of the armed forces and their dependants who are the victims of crimes of violence while serving overseas.