§ 32. Miss McIntoshTo ask the Solicitor-General what assessment he has made of the impact of cases brought under the European Convention on Human Rights on the work load of the CPS. [131296]
The Solicitor-GeneralThe significance of the Human Rights Act 1998 on the work of the CPS was recognised at an early stage, and a high priority has been given to ensure that preparations are well under way for implementation of the Act in October 2000.
An assessment of the impact of the Human Rights Act was carried out by the CPS in conjunction with other prosecuting agencies, the Home Office, Lord Chancellor's Department and the Treasury.
In consultation with other prosecuting agencies and leading external human rights experts, the CPS has developed a comprehensive training course for CPS prosecutors. The training programme aims to reach over 3,000 key staff before the end of July.
This training programme and the continued guidance and advice that CPS staff will receive will ensure that cases giving rise to Human Rights issues will be dealt with in a wholly professional and effective manner. Initially, we expect that human rights problems will be raised in ordinary cases, and they will be dealt with in the ordinary way. We have anticipated additional costs, and there is no doubt that they will arise.