§ Mr. MartlewTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 26 May 1999,Official Report, column 151, on the Passport Office, Liverpool, what compensation will be paid to applicants for passports who have incurred costs as a result of delays in the issuing arrangements. [88426]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe UK Passport Agency's compensation policy is to reimburse the reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred by customers as a direct consequence of clear operational errors, or failure to provide an acceptable level of service by means of an ex-gratia payment. Each case is considered carefully on its merits and this policy will apply to any claims received relating to delays in issuing a passport. It is not the Agency's normal policy to make compensation payments for distress and inconvenience arising from such errors and failures.