asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many applications have been received under section 2 of the Employment Act 1982 relating to compensation for certain dismissals; how many claims have been approved; and how much has been paid out in settlements.

362 formal applications had been received as of 28 January. On the basis of reports made to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State by the assessor appointed under schedule 1 to the Employment Act 1982, payments of compensation have already been made in 6 cases.The amount paid in compensation to the 6 applicants concerned totals £29,881·89. The vast majority of the applications so far received are still under consideration.