Written question asked by Brian Jenkins (Labour) on Monday, 14 May 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 16 May 2007. It was answered by Gerry Sutcliffe (Labour) on Monday, 21 May 2007 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Witnesses: Protection

Question: To ask the Minister of State, Ministry of Justice what measures she is taking to improve the treatment of vulnerable and intimidated witnesses.

Answer: The Government have introduced a range of measures to support and assist vulnerable and intimidated witnesses before, during and after the trial. These include:"giving Victim Support £30 million a year to support victims and witnesses of which £2 million is ring-fenced to provide enhanced services for vulnerable and intimidated witnesses;""setting up, since 2004, joint Crown Prosecution Service/Police Witness Care Units to provide tailored support for witnesses;""implementing, under the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004, a statutory Code of Practice for Victims of Crime that requires criminal justice agencies to provide an enhanced service for vulnerable or intimidated victims;""placing witness protection on a statutory footing in the Serious Organised Crime and Policing Act 2005; and""phased implementation of a range of special measures in the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 to assist vulnerable or intimidated witnesses give their best evidence in court. These include video-recorded evidence in chief, evidence by live link, screens round the witness box, giving evidence in private and communication aids. The intermediary special measure is currently being piloted in eight areas in advance of national roll out."

Secondary information