Written question asked by Patsy Calton (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 29 January 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 7 February 2003. It was answered by Baroness Harman (Labour) on Friday, 7 February 2003 on behalf of the Solicitor General.

Solicitor-General

Question: To ask the Solicitor General, what processes will be used to achieve clarification of policy, and to produce guidelines, with respect to section 2(4) of the Suicide Act 1961. - (Holding answer 4 February 2003).

Answer: Mrs. Calton: To ask the Solicitor-General what processes will be used to achieve clarification of policy, and to produce guidelines, with respect to section 2(4) of the Suicide Act 1961. [94596] The Solicitor-General: [holding answer 4 February 2003]: Proceedings under section 2(1) of the Suicide Act 1961 are reviewed in exactly the same manner as any other prosecution. The decision to prosecute and the Director's decision as to whether he grants consent are taken in the light of all of the evidence available following the investigation conducted by the police, in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors. The code can be viewed at www.cps.gov.uk. Section 2(1) of the Suicide Act 1961 is an offence for which the DPP's consent is required before a prosecution can commence.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 94596; 399 c468W;399 c466W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Codes of practice Criminal investigation Euthanasia Prosecutions Suicide
Legislation: Suicide Act 1961
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk