HC Deb 25 May 1999 vol 332 cc135-6W
Mr. Dismore

To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will implement the recommendations of the Ogden tables working party to set a rate of return of two per cent.; and if he will make a statement. [84932]

Mr. Vaz

The discount rate to be applied in the calculation of damages for personal injuries and fatal accidents cases affects the interests of both plaintiffs and defendants. The Lord Chancellor will be issuing a consultation paper next month canvassing views on how the rate should be set, and reviewed, before deciding whether and how to exercise the power to set the rate conferred on him by Section 1 of the Damages Act 1996.