HL Deb 01 July 2003 vol 650 cc97-8WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the purpose of Crown Immunity; whether it is still appropriate today; and if not, what plans they have to change it. [HL3423]

Lord Filkin

Government has a duty to act in the best interest of citizens. Exposing the Crown to criminal liability generally could promote an excessively cautious approach to government and could divert public resources into litigation.

However, Crown immunity is being removed, where appropriate, as legislative opportunities arise.