HL Deb 18 November 1999 vol 607 c2WA
Lord Clarke of Hampstead

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the proposed timetable for the implementation of (a) the recommendations relating to vulnerable and intimidated witnesses contained in the report Speaking Up For Justice; and (b) the measures designed to help witnesses give evidence in Part II of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999. [HL25]

Lord Bassam of Brighton

The Government are determined that action should be taken to implement the recommendations inSpeaking Up For Justice as soon as possible, while ensuring that all the necessary equipment and underpinning guidance are in place. My honourable friend the Minister of State for the Home Department (Mr Clarke) today published an implementation plan, Action For Justice, which explains how the agencies working in the criminal justice system are responding to the report. It includes a timetable for implementation, including those witness measures contained in the 1999 Criminal Evidence Act. Copies are available in the Library.