§ Jackie BallardTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he plans to review the guidelines for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme in the light of Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights. [98677]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeThe implications for the Scheme of Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights are being considered along with the Government's consideration of the responses to the recent consultation exercise.
§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority will take to ensure guidance is consistent on the treatment of calculation of loss of pension; and if he will make a statement. [98483]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeThe administration and interpretation of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is a matter for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Appeals Panel (CICAP). I understand the Authority is drawing up a revised guidance for caseworkers and claims officers about the treatment of loss of pension.
§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements will be put in place to ensure old Criminal Injuries Compensation Board cases are considered by legally qualified persons after the CICB ceases to exist next year; and if he will make a statement. [98485]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeUnder the transitional provisions of the 1996 Scheme, made under powers conferred by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act 1995, any 1990 Scheme cases outstanding when the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board (CICB) is wound up (`the transfer date') will be transferred to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) for resolution by legally qualified members of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Appeals Panel (CICAP) in accordance with the terms of the 1990 Scheme. The transfer date is likely to be 1 April 2000.
The Panel already contains many legally qualified members who will be able to deal with 1990 Scheme cases. Many of them are also members of the Board. The Panel's strength is likely to be doubled next year when new appointments are made as a result of a major new recruitment exercise set in hand in October. Many of the new appointees will be lawyers. Additionally, a number of Board members, who are not already members of the Panel, are being invited to join the Panel from the transfer date specifically to deal with residual 1990 Scheme cases.
§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority will issue guidance on the justified exceptional risk rule; and if he will make a statement. [98482]
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§ Mr. Charles ClarkeThe administration and interpretation of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is a matter for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Appeals Panel (CICAP). Some guidance on the interpretation of the exceptional risk rule is given in the Guide to the Scheme issued by CICA. The Authority will consider whether further guidance would be helpful.