§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will increase the discretionary payments payable to widows and children under Article 8 of the Criminal Injuries (Compensation) (Northern Ireland) Order 1977.
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§ Mr. PriorThe Government have considered this matter and are prepared to double the present maxima under article 8 of the Criminal Injuries (Compensation) (Northern Ireland) Order 1977 to £10,000 for a widow and £1,000 for a child. This will require amending legislation which, on presentation, I will ask the House to make retrospective to the date of this announcement, thus enabling claimants in respect of any incidents which might occur between now and the commencement of the new provision to benefit in due course from the increased payments.