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Written question asked by David Winnick (Labour) on Tuesday, 2 May 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 May 2006. It was answered by Gerry Sutcliffe (Labour) on Tuesday, 20 June 2006 on behalf of the Home Office.

London Terrorist Attacks

Question
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average compensation paid to those who lost (a) one and (b) two limbs as a result of the terrorist attacks on 7 July 2005 was; and whether further consideration is being given to increasing the sums involved.
Answer

[holding answer 8 May 2006]: Compensation under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is paid on the basis of a tariff (scale) of awards for injuries of comparable severity. The tariff awards for the loss of limbs are as under: Loss of one leg below knee £33,000, Loss of one leg above knee £44,000, Loss of one hand or arm £44,000, Loss of one leg above knee £44,000, Loss of both hands or arms £110,000, Loss of both legs £110,000. Victims who lose a limb are likely to be eligible for additional compensation for loss of earnings, loss of future earning capacity and the costs of special care. Such compensation will vary according to individual circumstances.In most such cases final settlement of the claim will not be possible until the final prognosis for recovery is clear, and a final assessment can be made with regard to lost earning capacity and the costs of future care. However, a substantial interim award or awards will be made where a final determination cannot be made for some time. We announced on 8 June 2006, Official Report, column 38WS, that we were making an extra donation of £2.5 million to the London Bombings Relief Charitable Fund to give assistance to bereaved and the injured victims of the 7 July 2006 London bombings. The further support was being made on a special, one-off basis in recognition of the exceptional circumstances of the London bombings, rather than under the rules of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, which would require a change to legislation.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
68700; 447 c1836-7W;447 c1836W
Session
2005-06
Subjects
Greater London Terrorism
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk