§ Mr. NichollsTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department whether the Lord Chancellor has considered the responses to the consultation paper on the privilege against self-incrimination in civil proceedings.
Mr. John M. TaylorThe Lord Chancellor has given careful consideration to the views expressed in the responses to the consultation paper. A large majority of respondents have supported the proposal that the privilege against self-incrimination should be abolished in civil proceedings provided that appropriate provision is made to protect the witness in any subsequent criminal proceedings. This proposal does not seek to affect those cases where the privilege against self-incrimination is already unavailable under the present law.
The Government intend to introduce legislation on this matter when a suitable opportunity occurs, taking account of any related recommendations which may be made by the Royal Commission on criminal justice when it reports next year and the Government's response to them.