§ Mr. AingerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he intends to take regarding the future organisation and level of criminal injuries compensation.
§ Mr. Howard[pursuant to his reply, 9 March 1995, c. 443]: The Judicial Committee of the House of Lords delivered its judgment today.
We are naturally disappointed at the judgment, which we are studying carefully. However, we will, of course, act in accordance with the law as determined by their Lordships.
The judgment relates to the method of introduction of the tariff scheme, not its merits. The Government remain firmly committed to the tariff approach. They believe a tariff scheme is the only sure way to bring the costs of the scheme under control and to provide a better service to the blameless victims of violent crime.
We therefore intend to introduce as soon as practicable a Bill inviting Parliament to give statutory force to a new tariff scheme as quickly a possible.