My honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Bridget Prentice) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement.

The Government have today published Response to Consultation: Case track limits and the claims process for personal injury claims. It summarises the responses received to the consultation paper and sets out the next steps.

Having carefully considered the responses, the Government have decided to establish a new claims process which will apply to road traffic accident personal injury claims valued at between £1,000 and £10,000. Road traffic accident cases constitute approximately 75 per cent of personal injury claims. This new streamlined procedure provides for early notification of a claim; promotes early admissions of liability and early settlements; and removes duplication of work from the process. It introduces fixed time periods and fixed recoverable costs.

The Government have concluded that there should be no change to the small claims limits, including those for personal injury and housing disrepair claims, but that the fast track limit should be increased to £25,000.

Copies of the response have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses and can also be obtained free on the Ministry's website at www.justice. gov.uk/publications/cpO807.htm.

Copies are also available in the Vote Office and the Printed Paper Office.