§ 42. Mr. Dribergasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will modify the scheme for compensating the victims of crime so that, in appropriate cases, those guilty of crimes of violence and fraud can be enabled or required to contribute to the cost of compensation.
§ Mr. TaverneThe operation of the experimental scheme for compensating victims of crimes of violence is being closely watched. Before its extension to the victims of other forms of crime could be considered, further study of the implications and cost of such a step would be necessary.
The practical problems involved in recovering compensation from the offender are considerable, as the report (Cmnd. 1406) of the official working party in 1961 brought out; but my right hon. Friend will give the matter further consideration.