§ Mr. John TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the policy is on the reimbursement of loss of earnings to witnesses taking time to attend identification parades; and whether that policy permits a degree of discretion. [48733]
§ Mr. DenhamThis is an operational matter for police forces and no central guidance is issued. It is for the force to decide in the individual circumstances of the case whether to provide a witness attending an identity parade with compensation for loss of earnings. The increased use of video identification parades will help to minimise delays in the identification process and reduce burdens on witnesses' time.