§ Mr. Soleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans there are to extend the use of computers in the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board particularly for the calculation of loss of earnings and other benefits.
§ Mr. MellorA feasibility study has established the scope for automation of some routine aspects of the board's work. The Home Office is now carrying out a full study to identify the systems required. The calculation of loss of earnings and benefits is complex, and the board is examining whether any simplification of this function is possible before considering whether it can be automated.
§ Mr. Soleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state for the next three financial years, at constant prices for England and Wales (a) the estimated amount to be paid to victims of violence under the criminal injuries compensation scheme, (b) the amount allocated to administration of the scheme and (c) the amount allocated to local victims support schemes giving in each case the estimated increase over 1986–87.
§ Mr. MellorThe table shows planned provision by the Home Office, adjusted to 1986–87 prices by the Treasury cash factor.
Planned Provision for Criminal Injuries Compensation and Victim Support, 1987–88 to 1989–90 £000s at 1986–87 prices 1987–88 1988–89 1989–90 Criminal Injuries (a) Compensation provision 60,700 61,800 66,600 Increase over 1986–871 24,900 26,000 30,800 (b) Administration provision 5,300 6,400 6,700 Increase over 1986–871 1,100 2,200 2,500 Victims support (c) Local victims support schemes provision 2,000 2,900 3,800 Increase over 1986–871 1,900 2,800 3,700 1 Comparison with Budget estimate provision