Written question asked by George Osborne (Conservative) on Thursday, 12 June 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 20 June 2003. It was answered by Baroness Harman (Labour) on Friday, 20 June 2003 on behalf of the Solicitor General.

Solicitor-General

Question: To ask the Solicitor General, what plans she has to change the way in which the criminal justice system deals with mothers accused of murdering their children; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. George Osborne: To ask the Solicitor General what plans she has to change the way in which the criminal justice system deals with mothers accused of murdering their children; and if she will make a statement. [119933] The Solicitor-General: The Crown Prosecution Service will continue to apply the two-stage test set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors--namely, whether there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of a conviction and whether a prosecution is required in the public interest. In the light of the Sally Clark judgment the Crown Prosecution Service is issuing guidance to all Chief Crown Prosecutors instructing that the defence should be made aware of the criticisms of the Court of Appeal should any future case involving Dr. Williams or Professor Meadow arise. The CPS is also involved in a number of working groups that are considering the work of expert witnesses.

Secondary information