HC Deb 02 July 1998 vol 315 cc260-1W
36. Mr. Bercow

To ask the Attorney-General when he last discussed the future of the Crown Prosecution Service with(a) the Home Secretary and (b) a chief officer of police in England and Wales. [47153]

The Attorney-General

I frequently discuss matters of mutual interest with Ministerial colleagues including my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary. Officials from the Crown Prosecution Service likewise have frequent discussions with representatives of the Association of Chief Police Officers. These discussions promote co-operation and effective joint working between agencies in the criminal justice system and are a key feature of the Government's commitment to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the Criminal Justice System generally.

Mr. Spring

To ask the Attorney-General if he will make a statement on reform of the Crown Prosecution Service. [47155]

The Attorney-General

I published the report of the Review of the Crown Prosecution Service (the Glidewell Review) on 1 June 1998. Its main thrust, which we accept, lies in proposals for reordering CPS priorities to focus more on the core business of prosecuting, greater separation of management from legal work, greater autonomy for the areas and better prospects for staff.

We immediately accepted the recommendation for the appointment of a Chief Executive and work is already underway within the CPS and other Departments to consider the recommendations. I expect to provide the House with a progress report in the Autumn.