§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many medical negligence claims were received by his Department in(a) 2000–01, (b) 2001–02 and (c) 2002 to date: how many complaints in (i) 2000, (ii) 2001 and (iii) 2002 resulted in compensation being paid; how much compensation was paid in each year; and if he will make a statement. [77286]
§ Dr. MoonieThe number of claims received for alleged clinical negligence together with the amount of common law compensation paid in 2000–01, 2001–02 and between 1 April to 23 October 2002 was as follows:
Clinical negligence claims received Number of claims settled Compensation paid including claimants' legal costs (£) 2000–01 128 79 10,617,263 2001–02 142 59 8,924,255 2002–031 78 26 6,427,000 1 1 April to 23 October 2002 When compensation claims are submitted, they are considered on the basis of whether or not the Ministry of Defence has a legal liability to pay compensation. Where there is a legal liability to pay compensation, we do so. Most claims are settled amicably on a legal liability basis without recourse to the courts. The payment of compensation does not necessarily occur in the financial year that the claim was received.
A record of complaints from Service personnel and their families alleging medical negligence is kept only for those cases where compensation is being sought.