To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority has for publishing further guidance notes. [5117]

In accordance with paragraph 21 of the criminal injuries compensation scheme, which came into effect on 1 April 1996, the Authority published at that time its guide to the operation of the scheme as a whole. It has supplemented that by issuing more specialised guidance on the assessment of loss of earnings and special expenses, compensation in fatal cases, the procedures applicable in cases of child abuse and the administration of awards to minors. The Authority has no immediate plans for further guidance, but is always ready to consider requests for such guidance.