§ 38. Mr. RobathanTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what new proposals he has to counter witness intimidation. [2875]
§ Mr. StreeterIt is already an offence to intimidate witnesses. The Government are conducting a review into ways in which a defendant might be prevented from questioning rape victims and other vulnerable witnesses. There has recently been considerable work on victim and witness care: the Crown court witness service now operates in all Crown court centres, the new victims charter has been issued, and a national model agreement on witness care, including steps to combat intimidation, has been issued so that local agreements can be reached on the most appropriate steps.