§ Angela SmithTo ask the Solicitor-General (1) what recent advice he has given to the Crown Prosecution Service regarding notifying prosecution witnesses that it has decided not to proceed with a case; [142950]
(2) what plans he has to issue guidance to the Crown Prosecution Service regarding information made available to (a) witnesses and (b) victims regarding the progress of a case. [142951]
The Solicitor-GeneralThe 1996 Victim's Charter commits the police to keeping victims informed of significant developments in the case, including any decision to drop or alter charges substantially.
204WSir lain Glidewell's recommendations resulting from the independent review of the CPS, and the recommendations of Sir William Macpherson's report into the death of Stephen Lawrence, proposed that the CPS should take responsibility for communicating such decisions direct to victims rather than via the police.
In order to give effect to these recommendations a study is currently taking place to identify the best practice for national implementation. This will begin on a phased basis in April 2001.
The CPS will give the reason for the decisions taken in as much detail as possible taking account of the fact that in some cases there may be sensitive and important matters which cannot properly be disclosed.
The day-to-day responsibility for keeping victims and witnesses informed of the progress of the case remains a matter for the police but the CPS will be responsible for the direct communication project, and liaison with witnesses at court.