§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the time taken for claims to be processed under the
772W criminal injuries compensation scheme; and if he will make a statement. [3144]
Table A: Number of persons aged 10 to under 18 years cautioned by type of offence1 and region, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1992, 1993 and 1994 Region Offence 19792 1984 1989 1992 1993 1994 North Indictable — 8,256 6,845 7,856 7,476 7,993 Summary non motoring — 1,466 2,744 2,691 2,670 2,992 Total — 9,722 9,589 10,547 align="right"10,146 10,985
§ Mr. MacleanThe Criminal Injuries Compensation Board does not record centrally fully comprehensive information about the time taken to process applications. However, some information about the time taken for the board to reach decisions on cases and the time taken to resolve hearings is given at paragraphs 3.12 and 4.14 of the board's 30th annual report (CM 2849), copies of which are held in the Library.
This shows that the board's performance in processing cases has been improving. But as we have made clear, we believe that a scheme which is based on common law damages is inherently incapable of providing the level of service which claimants are entitled to expect. That is why we plan to introduce, in April 1996, the new tariff-based scheme provided for in the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act 1995. The new scheme should be easier to understand, simpler to administer and claimants should get their money more quickly.