HC Deb 05 February 2002 vol 379 cc868-9W
Mr. Galloway

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the practice is in regard to the provision of holidays and other benefits given to witnesses in murder trials by the(a) police and (b) prosecuting authorities. [32195]

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the practice is in regard to the provision of holidays and other benefits given to witnesses in murder trials by the(a) police and (b) prosecuting authorities [32194]

The Solicitor-General

I have been asked to reply.

There is no distinct provision for holidays or other benefits given to witnesses in murder trials by the police or prosecuting authorities.

However, where the court necessarily lists a case for trial when a witness is due to be on holiday then some provision can be made to compensate the witness for any loss incurred by way of a financial loss allowance. Alternatively, arrangements can be made to return a witness from holiday to attend court.

Forward to