asked Her Majesty's Government:

How the amount of the consolatory payment of £500 authorised for the family of Gulf War veteran the late Mr T E Walker's family in recognition of the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency's error shortly before his death, in having cut his war pension from 100 per cent to 40 per cent, was determined; how many other such payments have been made; and at what amount in each case. [HL354]

In exceptional circumstances consolatory payments may be made where, for example, worry, distress, suffering or anguish is deemed to have occurred due to error. Each case is considered on an individual basis according to the circumstances. Payments are not intended to put a value on the distress suffered but are made by way of acknowledgement of the error, and apology.

It was considered that the level of payment was warranted in recognition of the error in the late Mr T E Walker's case.

During the financial year 2006-07 there were six consolatory payments and so far this year there have been eight, ranging from £25 to £1,000.