asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his practice, following the privatisation of the Ministry of Defence Claims Commission, to answer parliamentary questions from hon. Members relating to all matters on which he was previously prepared to answer questions.

Fresh traffic accident and employers liability claims in the United Kingdom from 1 April this year will no longer be dealt with or settled by the Claims Commission but by the General Accident Fire and Life Assurance Corporation. It would not be appropriate for Ministers to be involved in questions relating to the settlement of these claims. General questions about those categories of claims where the Claims Commission continues to be responsible for settlement will be answered as in the past.