HC Deb 26 January 1967 vol 739 cc1761-2
24. Mr. John Hynd

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total amount expended to date in compensation payments under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board; and how many victims of violent crime have benefited to date from these payments.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

Up to the end of 1966, awards totalling £1,087,881 were made to 3,150 victims.

Mr. Hynd

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that these awards have been properly distributed? Is he aware that it has been reported that, for example, considerable awards, amounting to thousands of pounds, have been paid to people who have been knocked down by cyclists in parks in which cycling is prohibited? Is that the intention of the Act and would he consider such matters to represent crimes within the meaning of the Act?

Mr. Jenkins

I am not aware of large, over-generous sums having been paid out in such circumstances, but I will look into that point.