§ Ms HarmanTo ask the Solicitor-General if he will set out, with statistical evidence relating as directly as possible to the London borough of Southwark, the effects on the London borough of Southwark of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [155982]
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThe Camberwell and Tower Bridge branch of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) deals with all adult cases emanating in the London borough of Southwark. The Youth and City branch of the Crown Prosecution Service deals with most youth cases emanating in the London borough of Southwark.
In November 1999, in line with national policy, the Camberwell and Tower Bridge branch and the Youth and City branch, introduced procedures to implement the Narey proposals. They did this in liaison with a number of other criminal justice agencies (including courts, police and defendants representatives). All defendants charged with a criminal offence, where a guilty plea is anticipated, now make their first appearance before the Magistrates or Youth court within five working days.
Both the Camberwell and Tower Bridge and the Youth and City branches have fast track procedures in place to deal with Persistent Youth Offender cases. They are working towards the Government's 71-day target for disposing of those cases.
In November 2000, the Crown Prosecution Service at Camberwell and Tower Bridge branch began changing its structure in line with implementation of the Glidewell review. As a first step towards a Trial Unit, it established a Crown Court Committal section. This enables the Crown Prosecution Service to place greater emphasis on serious crime cases, which are heard at both the Inner London Crown court and the Central Criminal court.
The Camberwell and Tower Bridge branch are involved in the Direct Communication with Victims initiative. This provides a written explanation when the Crown Prosecution Service either discontinues or substantially alters a charge. In some circumstances the Crown Prosecution Service will meet with victims to explain why a particular decision was taken.
27WAction and polices of the Treasury Solicitor's Department and the Serious Fraud Office do not directly affect my right hon. Friend's constituency.