HC Deb 25 February 1994 vol 238 c445W
Mr. Patchett

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what measures are being taken by courts in south Yorkshire to protect child witnesses with particular reference to the use of screens, television link equipment, and pre-recorded interviews; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John M. Taylor

In the area of south Yorkshire screens and video playback equipment to protect child witnesses are available at Barnsley, Doncaster, Sheffield and Rotherham magistrates courts. Live television link equipment will also be available at Rotherham magistrates court from May 1994. Screens, live Television links, and video playback equipment are in place at the Crown court at Sheffield. Screens are also available at the Crown court in Doncaster, and at the family hearing centres at Doncaster, Rotherham and Barnsley county courts.

Mr. Patchett

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department which courts in south Yorkshire have child liaison officers to protect child witnesses; if he will make a statement.

Mr. John M. Taylor

Child liaison officers are in place at all Crown court centres. In the south Yorkshire region, the Crown court sits at Sheffield combined court and Doncaster where there are child liaison officers in post.