§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans he has to discuss with Victim Support and other interested groups ways to 369W introduce witness liaison officers (a) across the country and (b) in the Hillfields and Stoke Aldermoor areas of Coventry; [24209]
(2) what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for the Environment on funding for witness liaison officers (a) across the country and (b) in the Willenhall, Hillfields and Stoke Aldermoor areas of Coventry. [24205]
§ Mr. MacleanThe Government have accepted the recommendation made by the Royal Commission on criminal justice that witness support schemes should be established at all Crown court centres. There are already 40 schemes in operation, including one at Coventry Crown court, and additional Home Office funding, made available in 1994–95 and 1995–96, will enable Victim Support to establish schemes at all 78 Crown court centres by the end of 1995.
My Department has regular contact with Victim Support on a whole range of issues, including witness support. Since the Home Office accepts responsibility for funding the Crown court witness service this is not an issue which I have discussed with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment.