HC Deb 19 November 1964 vol 702 cc596-8
3. Mr. Carol Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether all the members of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board have now been appointed; what are the terms and conditions of their appointments; and if he will make a statement on the operation of the scheme.

The Minister of State, Home Office (Miss Alice Bacon)

The Chairman and the five members who form the initial complement of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board have all been appointed. They give their services on a part-time basis, and, except for the Chairman—who holds a full-time judicial appointment—they receive fees of 20 guineas a day. I am informed that the scheme is operating smoothly so far.

Mr. Johnson

I thank my hon. Friend for that information. As this is the first Question that she has answered in the House, perhaps I may preface my supplementary question by offering to her—I am sure on behalf of the whole House—our congratulations on her appointment. With regard to her reply, may I ask three questions? Can she give any indication of the number of claims that have been submitted since the scheme came into operation? Is she satisfied that adequate publicity has been given about the establishment of this scheme? Can she say what steps the Board has taken to publicise it? Lastly—

Mr. Deputy-Speaker

Order. The supplementary questions are getting very long.

Mr. Johnson

I am sorry, Mr. Deputy Speaker, but these are important matters turning on the new scheme.

Can my hon. Friend arrange with the Board for it to make available to her, so that it can be available to hon. Members in the Library of the House, any publicity on individual cases?

Mr. Deputy-Speaker

I must ask the House to remember that supplementary questions have doubled in length during the last 10 years. I would ask hon. Members to frame their questions briefly.

Miss Bacon

I thank my hon. Friend for his remarks. Between 1st August, 1964, when the scheme started operating, and 12th November, 81 applications were made for compensation. Applications are now being made at the rate of nine a week. I think this shows that the public at large realise that this scheme is in operation, but if there is need for any more publicity I will bring this matter to the attention of the Board.

Mr. Sharples

Were the names of the members of the Board published? If not, is it intended to publish them?

Miss Bacon

I could not answer that question without notice, but I will endeavour to ensure that it is answered later.

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