Written question asked by Simon Hughes (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 31 October 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 6 November 2002. It was answered by Baroness Harman (Labour) on Wednesday, 6 November 2002 on behalf of the Solicitor General.

Solicitor-General

Question: To ask the Solicitor General, what actions she proposes to take to respond to representations from RoadPeace following their meeting with Ministers on 10th October; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Simon Hughes: To ask the Solicitor General what actions he proposes to take to respond to representations from RoadPeace following their meeting with Ministers on 10 October, and if he will make a statement. [79619] The Solicitor-General: The Attorney and I recognise that fatal road traffic crashes have a devastating effect on the family and friends of the victim. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is committed to ensuring that such cases are dealt with sensitively and are reviewed by prosecutors with requisite experience. The Attorney and I will continue to ensure the CPS implements its commitment under the Victim's Charter and the Direct Communication with Victim's initiative to provide support to victims and those who have been bereaved as a result of road traffic offences. The CPS has, since the meeting with RoadPeace, re- issued nationally to its staff a reminder to implement, so far as is possible, guidance provided in various cases, on how best to deal with situations where inquests and criminal proceedings arising out of the same incident are pending. The CPS brings to the Law Officers' attention, in appropriate cases, sentences passed by the Crown Court for us to consider a referral to the Court of Appeal as an Unduly Lenient Sentence. Since the beginning of this year we have referred to the Court of Appeal 6 cases involving either death by dangerous driving or death by careless driving when over the prescribed limit for alcohol.

Secondary information