§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy to introduce a system of compensation or ex-gratia payments for service men injured in Bosnia, comparable to those available in Germany and Hong Kong; and if he will make a statement. [14921]
§ Mr. SoamesWhere an injury resulting in the death or invaliding of a service man or woman is attributable to service in Bosnia, benefits are paid both from the armed forces pensions scheme and from the Department of Social Security war pensions scheme. My Department also operates a scheme for criminal injuries compensation for members of the armed forces and their dependants who are victims of crimes of violence while serving overseas. Such compensation, however, is not payable where the injury to, or death of, a service man or woman was a result of war operations or, as in Bosnia, military activity by warring factions.
494WA review of death and invaliding benefits for service personnel, and the criteria for their award, is currently being undertaken as part of the detailed study of the pensions recommendations made by Sir Michael Bett's independent review of the armed forces' manpower, career and remuneration structures.