Written question asked by Gwyn Prosser (Labour) on Tuesday, 19 November 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 2 December 2002. It was answered by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Monday, 2 December 2002 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, What measures he is taking to protect vulnerable witnesses from intimidation. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Mr. Prosser: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures he is taking to protect vulnerable witnesses from intimidation. [82326] Hilary Benn: In July we started a phased implementation of special measures, such as live TV Links, video recorded evidence, and screens to help vulnerable or intimidated witnesses give their best evidence in court. The Criminal Justice and Sentencing Bill will introduce several changes to the rules of evidence and tighten up magistrates' granting of bail to encourage witnesses to give evidence. Guidance has been issued to the police on tackling witness intimidation in the community, and this is also reflected in the new Anti-Social Behaviour Order Guidance published on 12 November.

Secondary information