§ Earl Howeasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, in the light of a recent High Court judgment, they will issue guidance to judges on the 102WA use of still photographs taken by coloscopy as evidence of alleged sexual abuse (where the relevant witness has not also personally conducted a physical examination); and on the dangers of false diagnosis in such circumstances. [HL939]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs (Lord Filkin)Judges are independent and it would be inappropriate for the Government to seek to issue guidance on any matter relating to the exercise of their judicial functions. The Judicial Studies Board, which is an independent body responsible for judicial training, will draw this judgment to judges' attention.