HC Deb 03 June 1998 vol 313 c213W
Mr. Levitt

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to his answer of 12 May 1998,Official Report, columns 69–70, on deaf jurors, for what reasons palantypists are not available for deaf jury members; and if his Department will permit deaf people carrying out jury service to be allowed a palantypist where this is their preferred means of communication support. [42909]

Mr. Hoon

The Crown Court must comply with the Court of Appeal decision that no one, other than a member of the jury, can sit with the jury when they are considering a case. This would make it impossible for a palantypist, or any other person supporting a deaf jury member, to assist during this part of the proceedings.