§ Mr. Thurnhamasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the objectives of his Department's criminal injury compensation policy; how he is monitoring its effectiveness; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorOur policy is to make available public funds for the compensation of innocent victims of violent crime by way of the criminal injuries compensation scheme. Under the terms of the scheme, the Criminal 7W Injuries Compensation Board is exclusively responsible for the consideration and determination of individual applications for compensation. The board's annual report, however, enables my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary to keep the general working of the scheme under review.