§ Mr. Stonehouseasked the Attorney-General on what basis charges by magistrates' courts are reinstituted for hearing at the Central Criminal Court.
§ The Attorney-GeneralA decision to reinstitute charges in accordance with the proviso to Section 2(2) of the Administration of Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1933 for hearing at any Crown court may be based on a number of factors. Careful consideration is given in every case to the available evidence, the relevant law and any public interest factor which may be involved.
§ Mr. Stonehouseasked the Attorney-General in how many cases, concluded at the Central Criminal Court in December 1975, charges had been reinstituted although thrown out in magistrates' courts at committal proceedings.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThis information is not available and could not be ascertained without a disproportionate expenditure of the time of the staff of the Central Criminal Court.
§ Mr. Stonehouseasked the Attorney-General if he approves in each individual case when charges in magistrates' courts are reinstituted for hearing at the Central Criminal Court.
§ The Attorney-GeneralMy responsibility for individual cases is limited to those in which the Director of Public Prosecutions is concerned. My approval is not normally required for the reinstatement of charges, but it is open to the Director to consult me about any individual case.