§ 35. Mr. McWalterTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to ensure that vulnerable witnesses are afforded greater protection in court. [24648]
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§ Mr. MichaelWe wish to offer greater protection in court for vulnerable witnesses, means of doing so are currently being considered by the inter-departmental review of vulnerable or intimidated witnesses, which were announced by my right hon. Friend on 13 June 1997. The review, which is nearing completion, is wide-ranging and is covering procedures relating to the investigation stage through to the trial itself, including ways to assist vulnerable and intimidated witnesses to give their best evidence safely to the court.