Written question asked by Lord Robathan (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 November 1996. It was answered by Gary Streeter (Conservative) on Monday, 18 November 1996 on behalf of the Lord Chancellor's Department.

Lord Chancellors Dept

Question: What new proposals he has to counter witness intimidation. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Mr. Robathan: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what new proposals he has to counter witness intimidation. [2875] Mr. Streeter: It is already an offence to intimidate witnesses. The Government are conducting a review into ways in which a defendant might be prevented from questioning rape victims and other vulnerable witnesses. There has recently been considerable work on victim and witness care: the Crown court witness service now operates in all Crown court centres, the new victims charter has been issued, and a national model agreement on witness care, including steps to combat intimidation, has been issued so that local agreements can be reached on the most appropriate steps.

Secondary information