HL Deb 08 April 2003 vol 647 cc25-6WA
Lord Morris of Manchester

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the tribunal which applies the standard of proof of reasonable doubt to compensation cases related to medical conditions caused or aggravated by military service is operating satisfactorily. [HL2219]

The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (Baroness Scotland of Asthal)

The Pensions Appeal Tribunals Act 1943 provides a right of appeal to the pensions appeal tribunals in cases where the Secretary of State does not accept a claim for a war pension, under certain conditions.

In 2001, the Government consulted widely on a document The joint compensation review. The aim was to produce proposals to replace the current compensation scheme with modern, fair and simpler arrangements while ensuring that appopriate benefits are targeted at those most disabled, and to reduce the number of claims for compensation which have to be settled in court.

My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Defence is currrently considering the responses to this consultation and will bring forward proposals in due course.