HC Deb 23 June 1980 vol 987 cc21-2W
Mr. Lawrence

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the present average scale of awards for victims of wrongful conviction, based on one year's imprisonment.

Mr. Brittan

There is no scale for ex gratia payments. The amounts are recommended by an independent assessor, who takes account of many factors, which vary from case to case.

Mr. Lawrence

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what circumstances and according to what principles he awards compensation to persons who have been wrongly convicted of criminal offences.

Mr. Brittan

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to a question by the hon. Member for Birmingham, Perry Barr (Mr. Rooker), on 15 November 1979.—[Vol. 973, c. 710–11.]

Mr. Lawrence

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in how many cases compensation was paid to victims of wrongful conviction for criminal offences in 1977, 1978 and 1979.

Mr. Brittan

Two, four and 11 respectively.

Forward to