§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what consultations he proposes to undertake to ensure that any regulations made in terms of rule 14 of schedule 7 to the Criminal Justice Act 1988, go as far as possible to facilitate the success of applications on810W behalf of children who have suffered physical or sexual abuse and whose parents are either unwilling or unable to act on their behalf; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he has drafted regulations using his power under rule 14 of schedule 7 to the Criminal Justice Act 1988, to prescribe circumstances and method by which one person may act for another in relation to a claim for compensation to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board and to prescribe the powers of the board to manage the payment and investments of awards to persons below the age of 18 years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenThe rules provided for in paragraph 14 of schedule 7 to the Act have not yet been drafted. We shall consult the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board and its council and tribunals about the terms of the rules.
Under the present scheme the board will consider applications on behalf of a minor made by a parent or any other person exercising parental rights, including a local authority or by the Official Solicitor or, in Scotland, a judicial factor appointed by a court. We do not propose to adopt narrower arrangements under the rules and are willing to consider any suggestions about the scope of the rules on this point.