Written question asked by Claire Curtis-Thomas (Labour) on Monday, 29 December 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 26 January 2004. It was answered by Paul Goggins (Labour) on Monday, 26 January 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will assess the effectiveness of the guidance on vulnerable and intimidated witnesses under the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999.

Answer: Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will assess the effectiveness of the guidance on vulnerable and intimidated witnesses under the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999. [146290] Paul Goggins: Comprehensive guidance about vulnerable or intimidated witnesses (VIWs) was issued to practitioners in January 2002. There are no current plans to review this guidance. Rules of Court relating to Special Measures Directions under the 1999 Act came into force on 24 July 2002. These rules are now being reviewed to improve their effectiveness and it is expected that amending rules will be issued in the spring. Individual issues of effectiveness are considered as they arise by the national VIW steering group which meets regularly.

Secondary information