§ Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Attorney-General how many cases of rape reported by the police to the Crown prosecution service were marked for no further proceedings in 1988; and if any of these were so marked because of shortage of staff.
23W
§ The Attorney-GeneralI regret that the information as to the discontinuance of proceedings is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Proceedings for rape are discontinued only where, after careful consideration by legally qualified staff and in accordance with the provisions of the code for Crown prosecutors, it is decided that there is insufficient evidence to conclude that there is a reasonable prospect of a conviction, or, where the evidence is sufficient, that the public interest nevertheless does not require a prosecution.