§ Mrs. RocheTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellors Department what research he has commissioned in to the possibility of domestic violence cases being heard by family panels; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. John M. TaylorNo such research has been commissioned. Some domestic violence cases are currently heard by family proceedings courts. The Lord Chancellor has given detailed consideration to the Law Commissions report on civil remedies for domestic violence and the most appropriate venue for such cases to be heard has formed an important part of that consideration.