To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what steps he has taken or intends to take to monitor the delays by those found guilty of criminal actions in payment to their victims of sums ordered by the courts; and if he will make a statement concerning the efficacy of such arrangements. [37333]

My Department has set up a working group under the chairmanship of a senior official to identify and promote good practice in the enforcement of financial penalties—including compensation to victims—and recommended procedural, administrative or legislative changes which would improve the enforcement of such penalties. The group is considering what modifications and improvements may be made to management information systems in the magistrates courts to secure better monitoring of arrears. As I said in my reply to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak (Dr. Jones) on 19 July, Official Report, columns 1300–01—the working group is expected to continue for at least a year but it hopes to be in a position to issue guidance to the courts as and when conclusions are reached during that period.