§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Attorney-General what further steps he plans to take to assist the Crown Prosecution Service to bring successful prosecutions in rape cases, with particular reference to the gathering of evidence. [53588]
The Attorney-GeneralThe gathering of evidence in all criminal investigations is a matter for the police. The Crown Prosecution Service reviews and conducts cases in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, once the police investigation is complete. The Home Office is conducting research on the attrition rate in rape cases, the results of which will be published. The Crown Prosecution Service will carefully consider the results of that research to identify whether changes need to be made to Crown Prosecution Service guidance or practice.