§ Lord Swinfenasked Her Majesty's Government:
What plans they have to ask the Law Commission to review the law on hearsay evidence and evidence of previous misconduct, as recommended by the Royal Commission on Criminal Justice.
The Minister of State, Home Office (Earl Ferrers)My right honourable friend has today asked the Law Commission to undertake a major review of the law of evidence. My right honourable friend has suggested that the terms of reference should be to consider the law of England and Wales relating to hearsay evidence and evidence of previous misconduct in criminal proceedings; and to make appropriate recommendations, including, if they appear to be necessary in consequence of changes proposed to the law of evidence, changes to the trial process.