§ Mr. BrazierTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what measures are being taken to expedite cases involving child witnesses; and if he will outline any initiatives to ensure that delay is minimised.
Mr. John M. TaylorIn relation to criminal proceedings, section 53 of the Criminal Justice Act 1991 allows for cases of a serious violent or sexual nature, where a child might be called as a witness, to be transferred directly to the Crown court, thereby minimising the delays in waiting for a case to come to trial. The replacement of all committal proceedings with transfer procedures, which is due to take place later this year, will ensure that this applies to all cases. Furthermore, the introduction of a national scheme of plea and directions hearings, which should be completed by the end of this year, will provide for closer judicial case management. Child liaison officers, whose responsibilities include ensuring, as far as possible, that delays in cases involving child witnesses are kept to a minimum, are now in place in all Crown court centres. In addition, fast tracking schemes, which set local time limits for each stage of the prosecution process, have now been established in a number of Crown court centres.
In relation to family proceedings, Dame Margaret Booth DBE had been commissioned by this Department to identify the causes of delay, and to suggest improvements to procedures to eradicate avoidable delay.
§ Mr. BrazierTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what measures are being taken to ensure members of the judiciary are trained in conduct towards child witnesses in cases of alleged abuse.
Mr. John M. TaylorThe Judicial Studies Board is responsible for training the judiciary. The evidence of child witnesses is covered in courses for both Crown court judges and those who hear cases under the Children Act.