§ Mr. Powellasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he has received the report of the working party of officials which he set up to review the Criminal Injuries to Persons (Compensation) Act (Northern Ireland) 1968; and what action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesThis report, which has been made by officials personally to me, raises important issues of a social and financial nature, which require my careful consideration. Following this, my intention is, as I have already informed the House, to introduce proposals, later in the year, taking full account of the recommendations in the report, for appropriate amendments to the Criminal Injuries to Persons (Compensation) Act (Northern Ireland) 1968 by means of a draft Order in Council accompanied by an Explanatory Memorandum and with appropriate provision for debate in the House.