Written question asked by Andrew Dismore (Labour) on Thursday, 11 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 November 2004. It was answered by David Lammy (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 November 2004 on behalf of the Department for Constitutional Affairs.

Dept for Constitutional Affairs

Question: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs, what the evidential basis is for his statement on 10th November that there is a compensation culture in the UK; and if he will make a statement. - Including ref to Better Regulation Task Force report "Better Routes to Redress", in Library. (Dep 04/1809; map 04/336).

Answer: Mr. Dismore: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what the evidential basis is for his statement on 10 November that there is a compensation culture in the UK; and if he will make a statement. [198411] Mr. Lammy: The contents of the Government's statement reflected the evidence presented in the Better Regulation Task Force report "Better Routes to Redress", and the report's key finding that, despite widespread perceptions, it is a myth that society has suddenly become far more litigious and that claims for compensation are spiralling out of control. But the report also recognised that it is a damaging myth and it needs to be tackled. The Government's statement sets out how we intend to tackle it.

Secondary information