§ Simon HughesTo ask the Solicitor-General what actions she proposes to take to respond to representations from RoadPeace following their meeting with Ministers on 10 October, and if he will make a statement. [79619]
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThe Attorney and I recognise that fatal road traffic crashes have a devastating effect on the family and friends of the victim. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is committed to ensuring that such cases are dealt with sensitively and are reviewed by prosecutors with requisite experience. The Attorney and I will continue to ensure the CPS implements its commitment under the Victim's Charter and the Direct Communication with Victim's initiative to provide support to victims and those who have been bereaved as a result of road traffic offences.
The CPS has, since the meeting with RoadPeace, re-issued nationally to its staff a reminder to implement, so far as is possible, guidance provided in various cases, on how best to deal with situations where inquests and criminal proceedings arising out of the same incident are pending.
The CPS brings to the Law Officers' attention, in appropriate cases, sentences passed by the Crown Court for us to consider a referral to the Court of Appeal as an Unduly Lenient Sentence. Since the beginning of this year we have referred to the Court of Appeal 6 cases involving either death by dangerous driving or death by careless driving when over the prescribed limit for alcohol.
§ Simon HughesTo ask the Solicitor-General if she will publish the responses her Department receives to the consultation on the Criminal Justice White Paper and place them in the Library. [79620]
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§ The Solicitor-GeneralThe responses to the consultation exercise are currently being considered. I will make arrangements to publish those that we have received once that work is concluded.