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Written question asked by John Howell (Conservative) on Monday, 12 January 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 14 January 2009. It was answered by Maria Eagle (Labour) on Tuesday, 20 January 2009 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.


Witnesses: Autism

Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice in how many criminal cases involving a witness with an autistic spectrum disorder a witness intermediary has been used (a) by the police prior to a trial or to a decision whether to proceed to trial and (b) by the courts in England in 2008; and in how many such cases prosecutions have been successful.
Answer

During 2008 13 referrals were made for the use of an intermediary where the witness' communication needs fell under Autistic Spectrum Disorder. However data is not routinely collected as to the stage in a case at which an intermediary was used, either by the police or at trial. Nor is data collected on the outcome of cases in which an intermediary is used.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
486 c1345-6W; 247787
Session
2008-09
Related items
Witnesses
Thursday, 29 January 2009
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Autism Witnesses
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk