§ Mr. NichollsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his latest estimate of the eventual amount of compensation on Options A, B and C of the Firearms Compensation Scheme; and when he expects to be able to finalise payment, under each category. [30799]
§ Mr. MichaelBased on the values of the claims examined so far, we now believe the overall cost of the compensation schemes for large-calibre handguns and small-calibre pistols, including Home Office and police administrative costs, will be about £128 million. This figure is subject to further revision as the values of those items being claimed under the small-calibre Scheme are received in the Home Office Firearms Compensation Section, and the exact details of the claims under the large-calibre Scheme still to be registered, become known. The great majority of payments under Options A and B of the large-calibre compensation scheme should he completed by the end of March, and most, if not all, of the payments under Option C should be made by the end of the year. Payments under the statutory surrender scheme for small-calibre pistols should also be completed by the end of the year.