To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to the answer of 11 January 2007, Official Report, columns 730-31W, on compensation payments, what the nature was of the inefficiency of the person dismissed on those grounds; in what area the dismissed person worked; and if he will make a statement. (118866)

I am unable to provide any further details of the individual dismissed on the grounds of inefficiency, as it may be possible to identify the person concerned from the information provided. The release of such information could constitute a breach of the Data Protection Act 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to the answer of 11 January 2007, Official Report, columns 730-31W, on compensation payments, what property was involved in each case where a payment was made for loss or damage to personal property; and why the Department was liable in each case. (118894)

There were 26 compensation payments for loss or damage to personal property totalling £4,927.28. It would entail disproportionate cost to provide details of the property or damage in each individual case but the reasons are categorised as follows:

In all cases the payments have been made because of loss or damage while on official business; and where the loss/damage is not covered by insurance policies; and where the Department considers it has a liability to meet the loss or damage.