§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce a witness protection scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Charles WardleMy right hon. and learned Friend has no plans to introduce a national centrally funded witness protection scheme. Both the Metropolitan police and the Greater Manchester police already run witness protection programmes and will offer guidance and advice to other police forces. Decisions about the provisions of protection for witnesses are operational matters for the police.