Written question asked by Andrew Dismore (Labour) on Thursday, 18 June 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 24 June 1998. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Wednesday, 24 June 1998 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will comment on arrangements for supporting witnesses in magistrates' courts. - Includes ref to 'National Standards of Witness Care in the Criminal Justice System.

Answer: Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on arrangements for supporting witnesses in magistrates' courts. [47009] Mr. Michael: We are committed to providing a more co-ordinated service to witnesses through the implementation locally of `National Standards of Witness Care in the Criminal Justice System'. Schemes supporting witnesses and other users of magistrates courts already exist in many parts of the country. Some are run by National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders, some by Victim Support, while others have been established as a result of local initiatives. The possibility of improving support for users of magistrates courts is currently under consideration against the backdrop of the Government's Comprehensive Spending Review. We hope it will be possible to announce the outcome of this consideration later in the year.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 314 c516W; 47009
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Administration of justice Intimidation Magistrates' courts Witnesses