§ Mr. David Walderasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average amount paid in compensation to widows of murder victims by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board.
§ Mr. JohnIn 1976, the average award—over 12 cases—was £13,984. But the average should not be looked upon as the norm. Compensation is related to the loss of income suffered by the widow in consequence of her husband's death and can range widely according to such factors as his income when alive, the extent to which she was dependent, their respective ages and the amounts of any pensions or social security benefits payable following his death. Compensation is not payable for grief or bereavement except in Scotland.