§ 35. Miss McIntoshTo ask the Attorney-General what recent representations he has received on improving the enforcement of the criminal law. [58040]
293W
The Solicitor-GeneralMy department frequently receives suggestions on improving the enforcement of the criminal law. The Government recognise the importance of this and have embarked upon a comprehensive programme, which is the joint responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, my noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor and myself, for modernising the criminal justice system and ensuring that it is planned and managed in a more coherent and coordinated way. The Government's aim is to ensure that the system dispenses criminal justice fairly, effectively, speedily and efficiently, increasing people's confidence in the courts and the prosecution process, and contributing to our objective of reducing crime and fear of crime.
§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Attorney-General what proposals he has for reviewing the enforcement of(a) the criminal law and (b) international law in the United Kingdom. [58037]
The Attorney-GeneralResponsibility for the enforcement of the criminal law is shared between a number of agencies in the criminal justice system. I have a responsibility for the prosecution process and in particular the work of the Crown Prosecution Service and Serious Fraud Office. Those two prosecuting agencies apply the twin tests set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors to decide whether or not individual cases should be prosecuted. Adequate measures are in place to ensure that the United Kingdom's international obligations are given full effect in domestic law, when that is necessary.