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Answering member
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Maria Eagle
Type
House
Session
Year
Department
Member
Primary member
Answering member
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Eagle, Maria (18)
Legislative stage
Legislation
Subject
Publisher
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what steps he plans to take to ensure that witness statements from disabled adults who communicate using non-formal methods can be accepted in courts.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what steps he plans to take to ensure that witness statements from disabled adults who communicate using non-formal methods can be accepted in courts.
Asked by
Tom Levitt
(Labour)
Answered by
Maria Eagle
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Justice
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
3 March 2009
For answer on
5 March 2009
Answered on
10 March 2009
In the criminal courts statements from disabled adults who use non-formal methods of communication are treated in the same way as statements from a witness whose first language is not English.When taking a statement from a witness who requires assistance with communication, the police interview is conducted with necessary assistance, such as an accredited deaf signer, an intermediary, or communication aids or relay interpreters where more than one form of communication is required. The statement is written by the police officer following the witness interview and then communicated back to the witness, with any necessary assistance to check its accuracy before the witness is invited to sign it.So far as the admissibility of the statement is concerned, this is a matter for the court to determine in each case. Written statements are admissible in certain circumstances but normally a witness would give evidence orally in court, again with any necessary assistance with communication.In the civil courts there are no plans to change the current arrangements in respect of witness statements. Each court has a customer service officer who is able to assist users by providing services such as hearing loops, sign language or lip speakers. When required, arrangements may be made to give evidence outside the court room, for example in a hospital. The judge, parties and court staff adopt a flexible approach to allow each case to be dealt with individually according to the circumstances of the person concerned and to accommodate any special needs.
Subjects
Disability; Witnesses
Date
10 March 2009
Reference
489 c248-9W;489 c250-1W; 261505
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what research his Department has conducted into provision for interviews with (a) witnesses and (b) vulnerable witnesses since 2002.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what research his Department has conducted into provision for interviews with (a) witnesses and (b) vulnerable witnesses since 2002.
Asked by
Claire Curtis-Thomas
(Labour)
Answered by
Maria Eagle
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Justice
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
24 February 2009
For answer on
26 February 2009
Answered on
5 March 2009
Neither the Home Office nor the Ministry of Justice have published research on witnesses in general.The Home Office has published the following research since 2002 about special measures for vulnerable and intimidated witnesses which included consideration of the interview stage in relation to the use of video recorded statements admitted as evidence-in-chief:""Are special measures working? Evidence from surveys of vulnerable and intimidated witnesses" Hamlyn B, Phelps A, Turtle J and Sattar G (London: Home Office Research Study No.283; June 2004) Available at:""http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs04/hors283.pdf"""Are special measures for vulnerable and intimidated witnesses working? Evidence from the criminal justice agencies" Burton M, Evans R and Sanders A (Home Office Online Report 01/06) Available at:""http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs06/rdsolr0106.pdf"Additionally the Ministry of Justice has published the following research about the intermediary special measure which can be used at the interview stage:""The 'Go-Between': evaluation of intermediary pathfinder projects" Plotnikoff J and Woolfson R (London: Ministry of Justice Research Summary No. 1; June 2007)."Summary available at:"http://www.justice.gov.uk/docs/RS-int-pathfinders-projects.pdf"Full report at:"http://lexiconlimited.co.uk/PDF%20files/Intermediaries_study_report.pdf"
Subjects
Interviews; Witnesses
Date
5 March 2009
Reference
488 c1790-1W; 259563
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what procedures govern the selection and termination of appointments of witness intermediaries.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what procedures govern the selection and termination of appointments of witness intermediaries.
Asked by
John Howell
(Conservative)
Answered by
Maria Eagle
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Justice
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
26 January 2009
For answer on
28 January 2009
Answered on
3 February 2009
Intermediaries come from a range of professional backgrounds including speech and language therapy, psychology, occupational therapy, education and other health care professions. To register as intermediaries they must undergo a rigorous assessment process overseen by the Intermediary Registration Board. They are also required to successfully complete an initial five day procedural training requirement introducing them to the criminal justice system before being placed on the register.There is a formal complaints process where the users of the service—the police, prosecutors and defence—can raise a specific complaint about individual intermediaries which is then subject to investigation by a member of the Quality Assurance Board for Intermediaries. The remedies available include the removal of the intermediary from the intermediary register.
Subjects
Witnesses
Date
3 February 2009
Reference
487 c1179W; 253006
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what methods are used by witness intermediaries to interpret statements by those diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what methods are used by witness intermediaries to interpret statements by those diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder.
Asked by
John Howell
(Conservative)
Answered by
Maria Eagle
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Justice
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
26 January 2009
For answer on
28 January 2009
Answered on
3 February 2009
The methods used by intermediaries to interpret statements by witnesses diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder will be determined by the intermediary concerned on a case by case basis in the light of their professional qualifications, training, experience and knowledge. Intermediaries come from a range of professional backgrounds including speech and language therapy, psychology, occupational therapy, education and other health care professions.
Subjects
Witnesses
Date
3 February 2009
Reference
487 c1179W; 253007
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many and what percentage of witnesses in court on Merseyside (a) applied for and (b) were granted special measures in giving evidence in the last year for which figures are available; and what assessment has been made of witnesses' views on...
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many and what percentage of witnesses in court on Merseyside (a) applied for and (b) were granted special measures in giving evidence in the last year for which figures are available; and what assessment has been made of witnesses' views on...
Asked by
Claire Curtis-Thomas
(Labour)
Answered by
Maria Eagle
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Justice
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
21 January 2009
For answer on
26 January 2009
Answered on
29 January 2009
In 2008 the Crown Court at Liverpool received 806 applications for Special Measures. Of these, 601 or 74.6 per cent. were granted. Of the remaining applications, the majority were in cases in which guilty pleas were entered so there was no need for the application to proceed.The number and percentage of successful requests for special measures in the magistrates court and youth court is not held centrally. These figures could not be produced without incurring disproportionate cost.In 2004 the Home Office published independent research which found that special measures were working effectively. The study showed that 76 per cent. of witnesses overall were satisfied with special measures. A further breakdown of these statistics for different subgroups of witnesses is available from:"http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs04/r240.pdf"The research also found that one-third of vulnerable or intimidated witnesses would not be able or willing to give evidence without the assistance of special measures. This rose to 44 per cent. where the witness was a victim of a sexual offence.Further independent studies include NSPCC research that interviewed 50 young witnesses and concluded that special measures, in particular live links, helped child witnesses who would otherwise have been reluctant to give evidence.Our own consultation exercise, 'Improving the Criminal Trial Process for Young Witnesses (2007)' found that where young witnesses used special measures, they had significantly more confidence in the criminal justice system.
Subjects
Courts; Protection; Merseyside; Liverpool; Witnesses
Date
29 January 2009
Reference
487 c739-40W; 251341
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to the answer of 20 January 2009, Official Report, columns 1345-6W, what means are used to assess the effectiveness of witness intermediaries.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to the answer of 20 January 2009, Official Report, columns 1345-6W, what means are used to assess the effectiveness of witness intermediaries.
Asked by
John Howell
(Conservative)
Answered by
Maria Eagle
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Justice
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
22 January 2009
For answer on
26 January 2009
Answered on
29 January 2009
The Intermediary Special Measure was piloted in six pathfinder areas and extended nationally after an independent evaluation. The evaluation report indicated that feedback from witnesses and carers was uniformly enthusiastic. Support for intermediaries was almost unanimous across the judiciary and among other criminal justice personnel involved in the pathfinder cases. A summary of the evaluation report is available at:"http://www.iustice.gov.uk/publications/research120607a.htm"The full report is available at:"http://lexiconlimited.co.uk/PDF%20files/Intermediaries _study_report.pdf"Our intention is that from April 2009 those who commission intermediaries—the police, the CPS and defence—will have the opportunity to provide feedback. This information will be reported to the intermediary governance board on a regular basis and be used to evaluate the service provided by individual intermediaries.
Subjects
Witnesses
Date
29 January 2009
Reference
487 c747W; 251847
House
House of Commons
To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what recent discussions she has had with ministerial colleagues on steps to ensure that women are not discouraged from giving evidence in court proceedings in cases of domestic and sexual violence.
To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what recent discussions she has had with ministerial colleagues on steps to ensure that women are not discouraged from giving evidence in court proceedings in cases of domestic and sexual violence.
Asked by
Kerry McCarthy
(Labour)
Answered by
Maria Eagle
(Labour)
Answering body
Minister for Women and Equalities
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
21 January 2009
For answer on
27 January 2009
Answered on
28 January 2009
Successful prosecutions for domestic violence and rape have both increased since 2003. We want to build on this, which is why we have committed to:"Expanding the Specialist Domestic Violence Court (SDVC) programme;""Ensuring there are Specialist Officers and Specialist Rape Prosecutors across the country; and""Making video-recordings of rape victims automatically admissible as evidence-in-chief in trials."I have regular discussions with ministerial colleagues on this matter through the inter ministerial group on sexual and domestic violence.
Subjects
Domestic abuse; Sexual offences; Witnesses
Date
28 January 2009
Reference
487 c581W; 250985
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice in how many criminal cases involving a witness with an autistic spectrum disorder a witness intermediary has been used (a) by the police prior to a trial or to a decision whether to proceed to trial and (b) by the courts in...
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice in how many criminal cases involving a witness with an autistic spectrum disorder a witness intermediary has been used (a) by the police prior to a trial or to a decision whether to proceed to trial and (b) by the courts in...
Asked by
John Howell
(Conservative)
Answered by
Maria Eagle
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Justice
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
12 January 2009
For answer on
14 January 2009
Answered on
20 January 2009
During 2008 13 referrals were made for the use of an intermediary where the witness' communication needs fell under Autistic Spectrum Disorder. However data is not routinely collected as to the stage in a case at which an intermediary was used, either by the police or at trial. Nor is data collected on the outcome of cases in which an intermediary is used.
Subjects
Autism; Witnesses
Date
20 January 2009
Reference
486 c1345-6W; 247787
House
House of Commons
A range of measures are available to support witnesses, including police protection programmes and a number of special measures to help intimidated witnesses give their best evidence in court. Those measures include screens round the witness box and the ability to give evidence by a live link from a different location, or in private. We are working to strengthen and improve those arrangements, particularly in gang-related gun and knife crime cases, to ensure that witnesses can give their evidence safely and without fear of reprisals.
A range of measures are available to support witnesses, including police protection programmes and a number of special measures to help intimidated witnesses give their best evidence in court. Those measures include screens round the witness box and the ability to give evidence by a live link from a different location, or in private. We are working to strengthen and improve those arrangements, particularly in gang-related gun and knife crime cases, to ensure that witnesses can give their evidence safely and without fear of reprisals.
Answered by
Maria Eagle
(Labour)
Asked by
John Robertson
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Justice
Type
Oral answers to questions
What support is given to victims of and witnesses to crime to protect them from fear and intimidation in giving evidence.
Subjects
Protection; Witnesses
Date
10 June 2008
Reference
477 c150
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I agree with my hon. Friend that Victim Support does a superb job. Its funding has more than tripled since 1997, from £11 million to more than £37 million. Some 1.4 million victims and witnesses have been referred to its support service, and it has helped more than 35,000 vulnerable or intimidated witnesses with particular support and tailored assistance. I agree with my hon. Friend that the amount of effort that the criminal justice system puts into recognising the importance of victims and witnesses has changed out of all recognition over the past 10 years. We intend to do more by tailoring support more fully to the needs of vulnerable or intimidated witnesses.
I agree with my hon. Friend that Victim Support does a superb job. Its funding has more than tripled since 1997, from £11 million to more than £37 million. Some 1.4 million victims and witnesses have been referred to its support service, and it has helped more than 35,000 vulnerable or intimidated witnesses with particular support and tailored assistance. I agree with my hon. Friend that the amount of effort that the criminal justice system puts into recognising the importance of victims and witnesses has changed out of all recognition over the past 10 years. We intend to do more by tailoring support more fully to the needs of vulnerable or intimidated witnesses.
Answered by
Maria Eagle
(Labour)
Asked by
John Robertson
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Justice
Type
Oral answers to questions
Does my hon. Friend agree that groups such as Victim Support do an excellent job in trying to protect people and by giving people, particularly children and the disabled, aid and support? Is it not time to give such groups more funds? We should think about supporting the victim rather than supporting the criminal.
Subjects
Protection; Witnesses
Date
10 June 2008
Reference
477 c150
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I am happy to look further into the hon. Gentleman's specific point, but when we consider the very highest level of police protection, there are obvious reasons why certain information is not peddled around: it might compromise the protection that is being given to particular individuals. I am not aware of the detail of the issue right now, but I am perfectly happy to look at it more closely if he would care to speak to me outside the Chamber.
I am happy to look further into the hon. Gentleman's specific point, but when we consider the very highest level of police protection, there are obvious reasons why certain information is not peddled around: it might compromise the protection that is being given to particular individuals. I am not aware of the detail of the issue right now, but I am perfectly happy to look at it more closely if he would care to speak to me outside the Chamber.
Answered by
Maria Eagle
(Labour)
Asked by
Mark Pritchard
(Conservative)
Answering body
Ministry of Justice
Type
Oral answers to questions
Does the Minister share my concern about the increasing number of Muslims who choose to leave the Islamic faith, or, indeed, to embrace atheism, and require police protection? Why does her Department refuse to tell me how many Muslims are currently being protected by police—by the British taxpayer? Should we not be dealing with people who espouse violence against Muslims who choose to follow another religion or to embrace atheism?
Subjects
Protection; Witnesses
Date
10 June 2008
Reference
477 c150-1
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
My hon. Friend is correct. One impact of focusing the criminal justice system and our support much more on the needs of victims rather than just on the needs of defendants is that it enables us to design arrangements to do just what she suggests. The big increase in the number of independent victims' advocates and in the support for victims of domestic violence and rape is, in turn, showing up in conviction figures. I agree with my hon. Friend that particular victims of particular crimes in particular circumstances have very specific needs. The criminal justice system now seeks to provide much more fully for those individual needs.
My hon. Friend is correct. One impact of focusing the criminal justice system and our support much more on the needs of victims rather than just on the needs of defendants is that it enables us to design arrangements to do just what she suggests. The big increase in the number of independent victims' advocates and in the support for victims of domestic violence and rape is, in turn, showing up in conviction figures. I agree with my hon. Friend that particular victims of particular crimes in particular circumstances have very specific needs. The criminal justice system now seeks to provide much more fully for those individual needs.
Answered by
Maria Eagle
(Labour)
Asked by
Mary Creagh
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Justice
Type
Oral answers to questions
Does my hon. Friend agree that people who are victims of crime in their own homes require specific assistance in giving evidence against their attackers? If someone is a victim of antisocial behaviour, of domestic violence or even of gun crime, their attacker, de facto, knows exactly where they live. What more can the courts do to protect such vulnerable people?
Subjects
Protection; Witnesses
Date
10 June 2008
Reference
477 c151
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
What support is given to victims of and witnesses to crime to protect them from fear and intimidation in giving evidence.
What support is given to victims of and witnesses to crime to protect them from fear and intimidation in giving evidence.
Asked by
John Robertson
(Labour)
Answered by
Maria Eagle
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Justice
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
4 June 2008
For answer on
10 June 2008
Answered on
10 June 2008
A range of measures are available to support witnesses, including police protection programmes and a number of special measures to help intimidated witnesses give their best evidence in court. Those measures include screens round the witness box and the ability to give evidence by a live link from a different location, or in private. We are working to strengthen and improve those arrangements, particularly in gang-related gun and knife crime cases, to ensure that witnesses can give their evidence safely and without fear of reprisals.
Subjects
Protection; Witnesses
Date
10 June 2008
Reference
477 c150; 209546
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what steps the Government have taken to ease the burden of criminal court proceedings on children who are called as witnesses.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what steps the Government have taken to ease the burden of criminal court proceedings on children who are called as witnesses.
Asked by
Jim Cunningham
(Labour)
Answered by
Maria Eagle
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Justice
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
6 December 2007
For answer on
17 December 2007
Answered on
17 December 2007
The Government have already done much to assist child witnesses in criminal proceedings. We have:"introduced special measures such as live links, video-recorded evidence-in-chief, screens around the witness box, giving evidence in private and intermediaries. An independent evaluation in 2004 found that 76 per cent. of child witnesses were satisfied with special measures;""reformed the law on competence to provide a presumption that all witnesses are deemed to be competent;""given £30 million annually to Victim Support, who provide the Witness Service in every court;""introduced a statutory Code of Practice to give victims, including children, legal rights for the first time;""spent £2.75 million on new court live link systems to help witnesses give evidence since 2006;""met the target of having separate waiting facilities for prosecution witnesses in 90 per cent. of magistrates courts ahead of schedule;""on 31 October, issued updated practitioner guidance on interviewing vulnerable and intimidated witnesses, including children."In June the Government issued a Consultation Paper, ““Improving the Criminal Trial Process for Young Witnesses”” which looked at further ways of helping young witnesses give evidence, including more choice regarding special measures. We intend to publish a response to this consultation next year.
Subjects
Children; Witnesses
Date
17 December 2007
Reference
469 c1112W; 173095
House
House of Commons
(2) how many UK citizens are in witness protection programmes; and how many have been in programmes in each of the last 10 years.
(2) how many UK citizens are in witness protection programmes; and how many have been in programmes in each of the last 10 years.
Asked by
Nigel Evans
(Conservative)
Answered by
Maria Eagle
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Justice
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
5 December 2007
For answer on
11 December 2007
Answered on
17 December 2007
Witness protection programmes are one of a number of measures taken by police forces to provide support to witnesses. A review of national provision in 2004 estimated that such programmes cost in the region of £22 million per annum. However, because of the operational sensitivity of this area of work, details of their programmes and witnesses assisted cannot be disclosed.
Subjects
Protection; Witnesses
Date
17 December 2007
Reference
469 c1112W; 172835
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) what the cost of running the witness protection programme was in the last 12 months;
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) what the cost of running the witness protection programme was in the last 12 months;
Asked by
Nigel Evans
(Conservative)
Answered by
Maria Eagle
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Justice
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
5 December 2007
For answer on
11 December 2007
Answered on
17 December 2007
Witness protection programmes are one of a number of measures taken by police forces to provide support to witnesses. A review of national provision in 2004 estimated that such programmes cost in the region of £22 million per annum. However, because of the operational sensitivity of this area of work, details of their programmes and witnesses assisted cannot be disclosed.
Subjects
Protection; Witnesses
Date
17 December 2007
Reference
469 c1112W; 172834
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the average waiting time is at Chelmsford Crown court for persons giving evidence; and what the average time taken was in (a) 1996, (b) 1998, (c) 2001, (d) 2005 and (e) 2006.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the average waiting time is at Chelmsford Crown court for persons giving evidence; and what the average time taken was in (a) 1996, (b) 1998, (c) 2001, (d) 2005 and (e) 2006.
Asked by
David Amess
(Conservative)
Answered by
Maria Eagle
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Justice
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
10 December 2007
For answer on
12 December 2007
Answered on
17 December 2007
The latest and historical figures, since records are available, from Her Majesty's Courts Service witness survey are shown as follows:
Data for the average waiting time for persons giving evidence is obtained from the biannual witness survey which is carried out over two weeks in June and November every year. It covers all witnesses who attended the Crown court, whether or not they were actually called to give evidence. We do not currently hold figures for the time taken to give evidence centrally.Witness waiting times are affected by several factors, for example the times that witnesses are asked to attend, how many witnesses there are in a trial and what happens in the courtroom. For example, there could be unexpected lengthy legal argument or other delays on the day, like the defendant not attending. These estimates should all be used with caution as the number of witnesses surveyed was less than 100 for each survey at Chelmsford Crown court, meaning that margins of error will be wide.
| Estimated waiting time | ||
|---|---|---|
| Survey date | Chelmsford | England and Wales |
| November 1998 | 2 hours 56 minutes | 2 hours 53 minutes |
| June 2001 | 2 hours 33 minutes | 2 hours 34 minutes |
| June 2005 | 3 hours 33 minutes | 2 hours 22 minutes |
| June 2006 | 2 hours 37 minutes | 2 hours 25 minutes |
| June 2007 | 2 hours 49 minutes | 2 hours 18 minutes |
Subjects
Crown Court; Witnesses; Chelmsford
Date
17 December 2007
Reference
469 c1087-8W; 174071
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what steps he is taking to make additional support available to victims of crime and witnesses in court proceedings.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what steps he is taking to make additional support available to victims of crime and witnesses in court proceedings.
Asked by
Margaret Moran
(Labour)
Answered by
Maria Eagle
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Justice
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
12 July 2007
For answer on
18 July 2007
Answered on
18 July 2007
The Government have already done much to support victims and witnesses in criminal proceedings. We have:"Introduced special measures such as live links, video-recorded evidence-in-chief and intermediaries. An independent evaluation in 2004 found that one-third of witnesses would not have been willing or able to give evidence without special measures""Given £30 million annually to Victim Support, who provide the Witness Service in every court""Introduced a statutory Code of Practice to give victims legal rights for the first time""Spent £2.75 million on new court live link systems to help witnesses give evidence since 2006""Met the target of having separate waiting facilities in 90 per cent. of magistrates courts ahead of schedule."
Subjects
Crime; Courts; Witnesses; Trials; Victims
Date
18 July 2007
Reference
150203; 463 c433W
House
House of Commons