§ 35. Mr. MitchellTo ask the Attorney-General when he proposes to allow barristers employed by the Crown Prosecution Service to represent it in all courts. [51724]
The Attorney-GeneralAll CPS lawyers, whether barristers or solicitors, are able to appear as advocates in the magistrates' courts. Bar Council and Law Society rules govern the exercise of rights of audience in the higher courts by employed barristers and solicitors respectively. Employed solicitors were granted limited rights of audience in the higher courts in February 1997. Employed barristers have not yet been granted the same limited rights. My noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor has recently published a consultation paper on the future of rights of audience which contains proposals for modernising the system and removing the current restrictions which discriminate between barristers and solicitors, and between employed lawyers and those in private practice. I support these proposals and welcome the publication of the consultation paper.
§ Mr. Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Attorney-General what representations he has received on his proposals for the reorganisation of the Crown Prosecution Service. [51719]
The Attorney-GeneralMy Statement to the House on publication of the Glidewell Report invited comments from interested parties. The numerous responses so far received reflect the same warm welcome which the Report initially received. I have been particularly pleased to note wide acceptance for the "whole system approach" to criminal justice issues which this Government have adopted as well as for the proposed restructuring of the CPS into 42 Areas.