§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement in regard to the letter sent to him from Dr. Raine Roberts, the forensic physician and clinical director of the sexual assault referral centre in Manchester, by the right hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe.
§ Mr. John PattenDr. Roberts' concern is that children giving evidence in criminal trials of alleged sexual abuse can be identified by members of the public in court, and could be subject to unwelcome attention from them.
The courts already have power, under section 37 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, to exclude from the court anyone not directly concerned with the case except a bona fide representative of the press, who may be prevented from publishing identifying details of a person under 17 who plays any part in the proceedings. In addition, if there is fear of interference with any witness, the witness's name and address may be given in writing instead of orally.
574WUse of these powers would seem the appropriate way to deal with the problem.