LONDON, Sept. 25 (Xinhuanet) -- British Prime Minister Tony Blair said on Sunday that victims of the London bombings will receive compensation payments within the next two weeks.

    Blair was quoted by Sky news as saying that compensation would be made "over the next couple of weeks".

    "I will look into this myself obviously, but I'm sure they will make the payments as soon as they can," he noted.

    The prime minister made the pledge after a Sunday newspaper highlighted the fact victims were having to live on charity handouts to tide them over.

    Families of those killed in the July 7 attacks have said they should not wait nearly three months for money.

    People injured in the attacks and families of those who died are entitled to payments of up to 500,000 pounds (some 900,000 US dollars).

    Howard Webber, head of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board, said "pretty substantial" interim payments would be made as soon as those applying were confirmed eligible. Enditem