---

NHS Redress Bill [Lords]

May I caution my right hon. Friend? As one who did personal injury cases for many years before entering this place—indeed, I think that I am still on the Law Society’s personal injury panel—I know that in many circumstances it is very difficult for a lawyer to give advice on the adequacy of an offer of quantum unless that lawyer knows how strong the case is on liability. If an offer was made at, say, half of what full liability would command, but the liability case for the individual would be weak were the matter to go to court, the lawyer might advise someone to accept a half offer. When the Secretary of State considers the scheme and the regulations, I would caution her that the lawyer will need to be able to look to some extent at liability before he or she can advise adequately on quantum, unless the lawyer wants to get sued.