§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to improve access to justice for those with learning difficulties. [37655]
§ Mr. HoonI am committed to improving access to justice for everyone. Those with learning difficulties will benefit from a number of existing initiatives. Magistrates' Courts Committees have recently been issued with a Good Practice Guide for Disabled Court Users, which sets specific performance standards for the courts. Each Crown and county court has appointed a Customer Service Officer whose role includes helping those with special needs. In the civil courts, there are provisions for the appointment of a next friend or guardian ad litem for those who are under a disability. Members of the judiciary, including the magistracy, are trained in equal opportunity matters, including those relating to disability. In addition, the report of the Interdepartmental Review of Vulnerable or Intimidated Witnesses has recently been completed and is being actively considered by Home Office Ministers.