HC Deb 12 January 1990 vol 164 cc772-3W
Mr. Alton

To ask the Attorney-General (1) what representations he has received about the present levels of compensation payable under the Administration of Justice Act 1982; and if he will make a statement;

(2) whether he will review the current levels of compensation provided for under the Administration of Justice Act 1982.

The Attorney-General

The Solicitor-General and I, as well as the Lord Chancellor, have received a number of letters from members of the public expressing their concern about the present level of bereavement damages which may be awarded under the Administration of Justice Act 1982. The Solicitor-General announced in May 1989 during the Committee stage of the Citizens Compensation Bill (Official Report, Standing Committee C, 3 May 1989, col. 21) that the Lord Chancellor would be reviewing the sum specified in the 1982 Act. Since then, the Lord Chancellor has been studying the question whether it would he appropriate to raise the sum and, if so, to what new level, and he will be issuing a consultation paper shortly.