HC Deb 27 November 1978 vol 959 cc28-9W
Mr. Ginsburg

asked the Attorney-General what criteria he uses in determining whether to grant immunity from prosecution to witnesses normally resident outside the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom; and if he can give an assurance that the granting of immunities in such cases relates only to matters relating to the case for which the witnesses' attendance in the United Kingdom is required.

The Attorney-General

The granting of immunity from prosecution to a witness in criminal proceedings and the extent of any such immunity granted is, in each case, considered on its merits, whether the potential witness is resident inside or outside the jurisdiction. As with all questions relating to the institution and conduct of criminal proceedings, the Director of Public Prosecutions and I regard the paramount consideration to be that the criminal law should be properly and fairly administered in the public interest. It would not be in accordance with that consideration to give an assurance in the wide terms suggested in the Question.

Mr. Lee

asked the Attorney-General on how many occasions the Director of Public Prosecutions has granted immunity from prosecution to witnesses living abroad in respect of criminal proceedings in England and Wales during the past 10 years; and if he will make a statement.

The Attorney-General:

I regret that I am unable to answer the Question, as the information requested in it is not recorded.

Mr. Hicks

asked the Attorney-General in how many cases in the past 10 years, other than where a witness for the prosecution has turned Queen's evidence, the Director of Public Prosecutions has granted immunity from possible prosecution to a witness for the Crown; if this immunity covers possible civil actions that individuals may have contemplated; and if he will make a statement.

The Attorney-General:

I regret that I am unable to answer the first part of the Question, since the information requested in it is not recorded. Any immunity granted to a witness by the Director of Public Prosecutions does not extend to civil proceedings.