Written question asked by Tam Dalyell (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 March 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 23 March 2004. It was answered by Lord Blunkett (Labour) on Tuesday, 23 March 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what his policy is on the admissibility of (a) hearsay evidence and (b) written evidence from abroad in relation to prosecutions under anti-terrorism legislation. - (Holding answer 22 March 2004).

Answer: Mr. Dalyell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his policy is on the admissibility of (a) hearsay evidence and (b) written evidence from abroad in relation to prosecutions under anti-terrorism legislation. [162610] Mr. Blunkett :[holding answer 22 March 2004]: Prosecutions under counter terrorist legislation are conducted in the same way as other prosecutions and the same rules on the admissibility of evidence apply, including the law on hearsay. At present, written statements from witnesses abroad who are unable to attend the trial, may be admitted as evidence if certain conditions are met. When implemented, the Criminal Justice Act 2003 provides that witness statements will generally be admissible in any criminal proceedings where a witness is abroad, subject to certain safeguards.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 419 c772W;419 c774W; 162610
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Admissibility of evidence Administration of justice Evidence Prosecutions Terrorism
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk