HC Deb 30 April 2002 vol 384 cc693-4W
Dr. Ladyman

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what guidance is given to (a) magistrates and (b) the judiciary about court proceedings involving people with autistic spectrum disorders as (i) witnesses and (ii) defendants. [51325]

Ms Rosie Winterton

Judicial training is the responsibility of the Judicial Studies Board (JSB) which is an independent non-departmental public body. It is chaired by Lord Justice Waller.

All judges are supplied on appointment with a copy of the Equal Treatment Bench Book, which contains guidance on different aspects of disability, including autism. The Equal Treatment Bench Book is also available to Magistrates through their Magistrates Courts' Committees.