HC Deb 26 July 1984 vol 64 cc1231-2
16. Mr. William Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will now undertake a review of the law governing compensation for criminal injury in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Scott

A review is already in progress.

Mr. Ross

During that review, will the Secretary of State bear in mind that a young woman in my constituency died as a result of a bomb explosion? She was a single parent and because she was unemployed her child was unable to obtain compensation. Does the Minister not think that that is scandalous and should be rectified?

Mr. Scott

The criminal injuries compensation scheme operates on the principles and practice of common law as normally applied. A review is in progress and any representations that the hon. Gentleman makes will be taken fully into account.