HC Deb 25 May 2000 vol 350 c629W
Mr. Lidington

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the Government's response to the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Kudlip Sander. [123601]

Mr. Charles Clarke

The court's judgment, which was limited to the facts of this case, means that in future similar cases where the judge is aware of evidence of jury bias it may be necessary to discharge the jury to achieve a fair trial. The Judicial Studies Board, which includes training on equal treatment issues in its core training for judges, is currently considering the training implications of this judgment. Notices will also be placed in jury retiring rooms, reminding jurors of their duty to be impartial in trying the case.