asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will review the level of damages awarded in Northern Ireland to victims of rape in view of the fact that awards in these cases appear to be lower than those in other criminal injury cases.

I have no reason to believe that awards of compensation paid to victims of rape are disproportionate to awards made to other victims of criminal injuries. Applicants for criminal injuries compensation who are dissatisfied with the amount awarded may take the matter to the county court and ultimately to the High Court.