§ 5. Mr. Townsendasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the review of the Criminal Injuries to Persons (Compensation) Act 1968.
§ The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (Mr. Stanley Orme)I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to the hon. Members for Down, North (Mr. Kilfedder) on 12th March and for Beckenham (Mr. Goodhart) on 13th March.—[Vol. 888, c. 161 and 192.] The review of the operation of the Criminal Injuries to Persons (Compensation) Act 1968 is continuing. A working party of officials has been set up which is in close consultation with the corresponding body set up by the Home Secretary to review the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme in Great Britain in the light of its operation since 1964.
§ Mr. TownsendIs the Minister unable to do anything to speed up this review, which has been outstanding for all too long? Is he not aware that Service men in Northern Ireland feel they are getting a very raw deal in this matter? Is he aware that hon. Members on both sides of the House are getting very restless about it?
§ Mr. OrmeThere is no evidence that Service men are dissatisfied. One or two aspects have come to light which the Government would like to see removed or improved in cases of future compensation. This is why the working party of officials has been set up. I can assure the hon. Member that there will be no delay in producing a report to the House on this matter.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I am sorry to have to interrupt, but we must push on. We have only 20 minutes left for all the remaining Northern Ireland Questions.