HC Deb 19 October 1992 vol 212 cc203-4
32. Mr. Bennett

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to improve public confidence in the courts.

Mr. John M. Taylor

I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by the Lord Chancellor in another place and by the Home Secretary in the House on 14 March 1991, announcing the establishment of the Royal Commission on criminal justice.

Mr. Bennett

Will the Minister explain why the Government set up the May inquiry and then decided to abandon it when it appeared to be coming up with a report critical of senior judges? If we are to restore the reputation of courts, it is important that such an inquiry is completed and that criticism of judges is published.

Mr. Taylor

The vast majority of criminal cases are dealt with in a perfectly satisfactory way. There have, however, been very proper anxieties expressed about some cases that have led to convictions being quashed. That is why the royal commission was set up, and it is not for me to anticipate its findings.

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