asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will publish in the OfficialReport as much detailed information as may readily be available showing the amount of (a) claims for damages made against the police as a result of the raids at Brixton and other areas and (b) settlements made to date; and what action is taken to check on the legitimacy of such claims.

Generally it is not possible to separate the particular causes of complaint which form the basis of each compensation payment made by the Metropolitan Police. My right hon. Friend made a statement to the House on 29 October 1981 about the searches of premises carried out in Railton Road on 15 July 1981. We understand that, of the £8,500 claimed for structural damage, £5,000 has now been paid in settlement. In addition claims amounting to £29,000 were made for damage to personal property, and £3,000 has been paid in settlement. One claimant has initiated a civil action. All claims for compensation are thoroughly investigated.