§ Mr. Meacherasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to amend the Costs of Criminal Cases Act in order that acquitted defendants shall normally receive full costs, subject only to a residual judicial discretion in cases of purely technical acquittals or where the defendant has been the author of his own misfortune.
§ Mr. CarlisleMy right hon. Friend is having consultations on whether some further guidance might be given to the courts on these matters. He has no proposals for legislation on them.