§ Mr. RobathanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has regarding changes in the law relating to newspapers offering money to a witness in a criminal trial before that witness has given evidence in court. [511]
§ Mr. Maclean[holding answer 20 November 1995]: The Government are concerned about the potential impact of payments to witnesses in criminal proceedings. We have sought reports from prosecuting counsel and others on the effect of such payments in the Rosemary West trial and will consider urgently, in the light of those reports, what further action is needed.