Child Witnesses (Hansard, 31 March 1994)

§ Mr. Alton
To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many pre-recorded pre-trial interviews, in line with the Criminal Justice Act 1991 and the "Manual of Good Practice", have been made since the coming into force of the Act; how many have been presented in evidence in child abuse cases; and how many have been refused as evidence.

Mr. John M. Taylor
It is estimated that between the date of implementation of the relevant provisions in the Criminal Justice Act 1991–1 October 1992—and 30 September 1993, in excess of 14,000 interviews with child witnesses have been recorded on videotape. Between 1 October 1992 and 1 January 1994, there were 306 applications to submit a pre-recorded videotaped interview with a child witness under section 32A of the Criminal Justice Act 1988, as amended by section 54 of the Criminal Justice Act 1991. In 109 cases the tapes were shown in court. Applications to submit pre-recorded evidence have been refused in only 10 cases.

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

Mr. John M. Taylor
Two sets of television links and video playback equipment are in place in the Crown court sitting at Liverpool combined court centre. Arrangements can be made for screens to be available at the Crown and County court in Liverpool if required. All magistrates courts in Liverpool have access to screens and video playback equipment, and the youth court is equipped with TV links. When necessary, child witnesses appearing before the magistrates may use the television links in place at the Crown court centre.

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

Mr. John M. Taylor
There is a designated child liaison officer for every Crown court centre, including the one at Liverpool combined court centre.