§ Mr. Spriggsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will ensure that criminal injuries compensation is index-linked, or able to be adjusted to meet the needs of the seriously injured person, taking into account the long-term medical treatment required and any personal attention any such injured person may need during the day, and throughout the night-time.
§ Mr. MayhewAwards of compensation for personal injury by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board normally take the form of lump sum payments which take into account any continuing need for medical treatment and special care, and are assessed on the basis of current values. The board's practice, in this as in other matters, is based on that of the courts; but it has a discretion to reconsider a case where there has been such a serious change in the applicant's medical condition that injustice would occur if the original assessment of compensation were allowed to stand.
§ Mr. Spriggsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to advise all persons who suffer injuries as a result of criminal attack of their right to claim criminal injuries compensation.
§ Mr. MayhewSteps are already taken to inform such persons of the provisions of the criminal injuries compensation scheme. As a matter of routine, police officers normally supply information about the scheme to persons who have suffered physical injury as a result of violent crime. Publicity material has also been issued to hospitals, victims' support schemes, WRVS branches, citizens' advice bureaux, magistrates' courts, and local offices of the Department of health and Social Security. This information is also available in public libraries.