Written question asked by Andrew Dismore (Labour) on Monday, 22 February 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 25 February 2010. It was answered by Lord Hanson of Flint (Labour) on Monday, 1 March 2010 on behalf of the Home Office.

Anti-terrorism Control Orders

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 10 February 2010, Official Report, column 1053W, on control orders, if he will set out the working practices which allow judges and special advocates to access closed judgments; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: [holding answer 25 February 2010]: There are no restrictions on judges accessing closed judgments unless there are exceptional circumstances.Practical arrangements have been developed to enable special advocates to see closed judgments in cases in which they are not instructed. The Special Advocates Support Office (SASO) maintains a library and database of all closed judgments. If a special advocate wishes to see a closed judgment he or she directs a request to the SASO, giving reasons why he or she needs to see it.SASO will provide the judgment as long as adequate justification is provided. SASO keep a record of to whom and when judgments have been provided and notify the Home Office of the details via the Treasury Solicitor's Department. Once a special advocate has seen a closed judgment in a case in which he or she is not instructed, he or she will be prevented from acting in any related cases unless the individual in that case indicates in advance that they do not wish to meet with the special advocate.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 506 c879-80W; 318762
Session: 2009-10
Related items: Control Orders
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Anti-terrorism control orders
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk