Written question asked by Andrew Murrison (Conservative) on Wednesday, 4 March 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 March 2009. It was answered by Baroness Merron (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Departmental Compensation

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what scheme of compensation exists for his Department's officials injured in (a) Iraq and (b) Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: [holding answer 9 March 2009]: The Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme provides benefits to members (UK Civil Servants) who suffer injury, and to the families of those who die while on duty in the UK or overseas. These benefits are provided via two schemes, an injury benefits scheme and a personal injury compensation scheme.The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) also makes ex-gratia payments to its staff, both UK Civil Servants and locally engaged staff, who suffer injury or death overseas in terrorist attacks as a result of their Crown service.In addition the FCO reimburses staff for the cost of additional premiums imposed by life insurers because of service in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Secondary information