HC Deb 08 July 2002 vol 388 cc736-7W
27. Mr. Pike

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the protection of victims and witnesses pending court proceedings. [64773]

Hilary Benn

Chief officers of police assess whether a witness needs protection pending court proceedings and then put in place measures which are commensurate with the level of risk identified.

Several communities have established safety schemes to support witnesses and we would like to see more of these. Witness intimidation is an offence and the police have been encouraged to prosecute whenever possible.