§ 34. Dr. TwinnTo ask the Attorney-General how many cases were committed to Crown court for trial by the Crown Prosecution Service in 1993; and how many resulted in a conviction.
§ The Attorney-GeneralDuring the period January to September 1993, 76,404 defendants were committed for trial in the Crown court in cases where the Crown Prosecution Service had conduct of the prosecution and, over the same period, 60,758 convictions were recorded.
§ 35. Mr. JenkinTo ask the Attorney-General to what extent the public interest is considered by the Crown Prosecution Service when a decision to prosecute is made.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe decision to prosecute is based, first, on whether there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction. Only if there is such evidence is the public interest considered.
§ 36. Mr. BrazierTo ask the Attorney-General whether a record is kept by him of the reasons for discontinuance of prosecution by the Crown Prosecution Service; and if he will make a statement.
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§ The Attorney-GeneralNo central record of the reasons for discontinuance of prosecutions is maintained. The Crown Prosecution Service conducted a survey in November 1993 on all cases discontinued by them in that month and I refer my hon. Friend to my written answer to him on 26 January 1994,Official Report, column 246.