§ Sir Dudley Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what information he has about the incidence of jury fixing in important criminal trials in London and elsewhere;
(2) what efforts are being made by police forces in England and Wales to counter the practice of jury nobbling.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggI understand that the police have intelligence which indicates that attempts to bring illegal pressure to bear on jurors have been made, but that this does not support the view that the problem is widespread. The police are alert to the risks to juries, particularly in major trials, involving organised crime, and if necessary seek the authority of the trial judge to provide police protection for the jurors in order to prevent any interference.
§ Sir Dudley Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, when he last met the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis, he raised with him allegations of the suborning of juries in important trials; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThis subject has not been discussed at my right hon. Friend's meetings with the Commissioner.