§ Mr. MullinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is the total amount of legal and other costs so far spent by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board regarding the claim of Mr. Norman Cobb of Sunderland. [3236]
(2) how long has elapsed since Mr. Norman Cobb of Sunderland (a) was the victim of a criminal assault, (b) successfully applied for a judicial review of the initial decision to refuse his claim and (c) had his renewed application upheld; for what reason compensation has not been paid to him; and if he will make a statement. [3235]
§ Mr. MichaelAlthough the Secretary of State for the Home Department and the Secretary of State for Scotland have responsibility for general oversight of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, Ministers have no locus to intervene in, nor do they comment on, the Board's handling of individual applications or their interpretation of the Scheme. Enquiries about individual cases should accordingly be addressed directly to the Board or, in the case of applications lodged on or after 1 April 1996, to its successor body, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.
However, I understand from the Board that:
- aMr. Cobb was assaulted 6 years and 9 months ago;
- b Two years and 11 months have elapsed since the judicial review in question;
- cThe Board's consequent re-hearing was two years and 3 months ago, since when interim payments have been made while further examination of the medical aspects has been pursued; and
- dThe Board's estimated costs so far are £4,900, including £3,200 incurred by the judicial review.