§ Sir John FarrTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is considering final proposals for financial compensation for each of the Birmingham Six; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenOn the advice of the independent assessor, my right hon. Friend has made interim payments of compensation to each of the six men.
The solicitors representing the men have been asked to supply any information which they wish the assessor to take into account when determining the final sum. It is for the assessor to decide what the amount should be and when he has the information he needs to reach a decision. In accordance with the provisions of section 133 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988, my right hon. Friend will accept the assessor's recommendation.