§ Mr. GerrardTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what proportion of claims to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board are reduced on the grounds of previous convictions of the claimant; and by how much on average they are reduced;
(2) what proportion of claims to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board are rejected on the grounds of previous convictions of the claimant.
§ Mr. JackThe latest figures available relate to 1990–91. They may be found in the board's 27th published annual report, a copy of which is held in the Library of the House. This shows that in that year the board received 50,820 applications and resolved 53,384 cases. In 1,783 cases nil awards were made because of the applicant's character as shown by his criminal convictions or unlawful conduct. In a further 696 cases reduced awards were made, but the available records do not show whether this was because of the applicants' conduct before, during or after the events giving rise to the claim or because of his character as shown by his criminal convictions or unlawful conduct. Information about the amount of any reduction made for such purposes is not recorded centrally.