§ 43. Mr. Corbettasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has yet completed his consultations on the law relating to identification evidence in criminal proceedings; and when he expects to bring forward legislation on the subject.
§ Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has completed the consultation his predecessor announced when the Devlin Committee Report on Identification (Criminal Cases) was published; if not, when he expects to complete the consultation; and, if it is complete, what action he intends to take.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesThese consultations are almost complete. Guidelines for cases involving evidence of visual identification were laid down in the Court of Appeal's judgment in R. v. Turnbull (1976), 63 Cr App R 132. I do not expect to bring forward legislation until there has been an opportunity to assess the impact of these guidelines. I do, however, intend to issue a new circular to the police about the conduct of identification parades and the showing of photographs revising the current guidance along the general lines recommended by the Devlin Committee and to consider whether any other desirable changes can be effected by administrative means.