§ Alistair BurtTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to ensure the Bedfordshire Police Authority will not suffer a loss to its budget in the event of a successful claim against it by loss adjusters. [38779]
§ Mr. DenhamAny claim would be against the Bedfordshire Police Authority. Whether the authority is liable for compensation will depend on the circumstances. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary made the Government's position clear in respect of any claims against the Bedfordshire police by the insurers for compensation in his statement of 25 February 2002,Official Report, column 445 and at columns 450–51. We will work with the police to protect their interests and those of the people they serve in Bedfordshire.