HC Deb 23 March 1982 vol 20 c298W
Mr. John Morris

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consideration he has given to the sums awarded and proposed to be awarded by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board by way of compensation in rape offences.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will take steps to increase the level of awards to the victims of crimes of violence under the criminal injuries compensation scheme; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what consideration he has given to the criteria for payment of awards to the victims of crimes of violence under the criminal injuries compensation scheme;

(3) what consideration he has given to the recent guidelines recommended by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Whitelaw

Under the criminal injuries compensation scheme, compensation is in general assessed in accordance with the practice of the civil courts. The guidelines adopted by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board and the assessment of compensation in individual cases are matters for the independent professional judgment of members of the board, who have considerable experience of personal injury litigation. Beyond determining the terms of the scheme, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I do not seek to influence the board in the exercise of their discretion.