§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Attorney-General how many interpreters for the deaf are employed by the court services; if he is satisfied with the availability of interpreters for deaf people in contact with the courts; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Attorney-GeneralIn the Crown court and in civil proceedings it is the responsibility of the party to the proceedings requiring the services of an interpreter, either for himself or for a witness, to make the necessary arrangements to secure their attendance at any conference with legal advisers or at court. Some Crown court centres maintain a register of interpreters although they are under no obligation to do so. Such registers are compiled from lists supplied by the police and a court will make the list available if requested to do so. I know of no difficulties arising in the courts for which the Lord Chancellor is administratively responsible as a result of the present arrangements.