§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what rights of audience barristers directly employed by the Crown Prosecution Service have in the Crown court; and what plans he has to alter such rights.
Mr. John M. TaylorBarristers employed by the Crown Prosecution Service have no rights of audience in the Crown court.
The Lord Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Legal Education and Conduct is at present considering this issue, and no decision on the rights of audience of employed barristers will be taken until the advisory committee's advice is received. This is expected later this year.