HC Deb 08 November 1999 vol 337 c421W
Mr. Dawson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to implement sections 40 and 41 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999. [97408]

Mr. Charles Clarke

Sections 34-40 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 provide protection for witnesses from cross-examination by the accused in person. Sections 41-43 provide restrictions on evidence or questions about the complainant's sexual history in proceedings for sexual offences. Rules of Court will be required to govern procedures relating to applications made under both these sets of provisions, and these are currently being prepared with a view to implementation in Spring 2000.