Written question asked by Vera Baird (Labour) on Friday, 4 February 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 February 2005. It was answered by Chris Leslie (Labour) on Thursday, 10 February 2005 on behalf of the Department for Constitutional Affairs.

Dept for Constitutional Affairs

Question: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs, what arrangements are made by the Courts Service for the presence at court of complainants in rape trials which are listed as floating trials.

Answer: Vera Baird: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what arrangements are made by the Courts Service for the presence at court of complainants in rape trials which are listed as floating trials. [215582] Mr. Leslie: Court Service policy is that, Courts list rape trials as fixtures and not as floating trials. Arrangements for the presence of complainants, as with all prosecution witnesses, are a matter for the prosecuting solicitor. Complainants in rape trials would be offered a pre-court familiarisation visit. Arrangements can also be made for the complainant to enter the court building through a separate entrance or at a specific time and be met by a member of the court staff. Most venues of the Crown court now have dedicated witness facilities for witnesses to wait without fear of meeting the defendant. The Witness Service, which is present in all criminal courts, offers emotional and practical support for witnesses at court. Subject to judicial discretion, special measures, such as giving evidence by way of a video link or the use of screens in court, would also be available.

Secondary information