Claims are not recorded on the Department's claims database in a format that differentiates between illnesses and injuries sustained on operations abroad and while serving in the UK. However, the number of civil claims for personal injury brought against my Department by members of HM forces since 1997-98 is set out as follows. Financial data regarding the cost to my Department in terms of compensation and associated legal costs relating to this category of claimant are also set out as follows. A figure for 1997-98 is however unavailable due to the way such financial data were recorded at that time.
Service personnel personal injury claims Compensation and associated legal costs (£ million) 2007-08 603 32.7 2006-07 550 32.9 2005-06 640 26.3 2004-05 667 22.7 2003-04 604 25 2002-03 666 40 2001-02 819 32.3 2000-01 924 36.6 1999-00 752 31 1998-99 735 26.7 1997-98 730 —