Written question asked by Fiona Mactaggart (Labour) on Thursday, 2 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 November 2000. It was answered by Ross Cranston (Labour) on Thursday, 16 November 2000 on behalf of the Solicitor General.

Solicitor-General

Question: To ask the Solicitor General, What guidance he gives to the Crown Prosecution Service on consultation with victims on decisions about whether to prosecute. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Solicitor-General what guidance he gives to the Crown Prosecution Service on consultation with victims on decisions about whether to prosecute. [137168] The Solicitor-General: The Code for Crown Prosecutors was reissued last month. It sets out among other things the relationship between the CPS, victims and the public interest. The Code explains that the CPS prosecutes on behalf of the public at large and not just in the interests of any one individual. The Code at paragraphs 6.7 and 6.8 makes it clear that Crown Prosecutors should always take into account the consequences for the victim of the decision whether or not to prosecute, and any views expressed by the victim or the victim's family as that is part of the public interest. Prosecutors should already carry this out in appropriate cases, but additional guidance is being considered to improve this process.

Secondary information