Crown Prosecution Service (Hansard, 23 May 1994)

§ 35. Mr. Peter Atkinson
To ask the Attorney-General what steps the Crown Prosecution Service is taking to improve charging practice.

§ The Attorney-General
The initial decision to charge is usually taken by the police. The Crown Prosecution Service and the police are together developing guidance to help officers to select the right charge at the outset.

§ 37. Mr. Ottaway
To ask the Attorney-General if he will pay an official visit to the Crown Prosecution Service in Croydon to discuss its effectiveness.

The Solicitor-General
I have no plans to visit the Crown Prosecution Service in Croydon at present.

§ Mr. Heald
To ask the Attorney-General what steps the Crown Prosecution Service is taking to introduce team working.

The Solicitor-General
Historically, lawyers worked primarily in the magistrates courts. Pilot schemes to bring lawyers, law clerks, and support staff together in teams to handle all types of case in both the magistrates courts and the Crown courts are being set up in one branch of each Crown Prosecution Service area.

§ 38. Mr. Hawkins
To ask the Attorney-General when he expects to announce the results of the revision of the code of conduct for crown prosecutors.

§ The Attorney-General
The Director of Public Prosecutions expects to publish the new code in the near future.