§ Vera BairdTo ask the Solicitor-General what advice the Attorney-General plans to issue to deal with the issues raised in the European Court of Human Rights case of Edwards and Lewis. [146760]
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThis matter is the subject of appeal. The Grand Chamber in Strasbourg has agreed to hear an appeal by the UK Government against the decision in the case of Edwards and Lewis.
The House of Lords will be considering this judgment in the case of R v. H and C on 14–15 January 2004. The Attorney-General will be appearing on behalf of the Crown in that case.
The Attorney-General has no plans to issue any guidance until the issues raised in the appeal of R v. H and C have been considered by the House of Lords.
534W
§ Vera BairdTo ask the Solicitor-General (1) if the Attorney-General will advise that special counsel should be available where there are issues of disclosure and public interest immunity involved in applications to try someone without a jury because of fear of intimidation under section 43 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003; [146779]
(2) if the Attorney-General will advise that special counsel ought to be instructed in cases where there are issues of public interest immunity and disclosure in criminal trials. [146780]
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThis issue falls to be considered by the House of Lords in the case of Rv. H and C. This appeal is to be heard on 14–15 January 2004. The Attorney-General will be representing the Crown in that case.
The House of Lords are being asked to consider the Public Interest Immunity system in England and Wales and whether or not it is necessary to instruct special advocates.