§ Vera BairdTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs (1) how many complaints have been received from(a) judges, (b) barristers and (c) parties to a case about the quality of video equipment and its impact on the quality of evidence in a case; [147666]
(2) what action is taken in the event that a judge raises concerns that the quality of video equipment is impacting on the balance of relative quality of evidence on a recurring basis within courtrooms; [147668]
(3) what evidence the Department has received that poor video links are affecting the quality of prosecution evidence. [147674]
§ Mr. LeslieMy Department does not specifically monitor or record complaints about video playback or video link equipment. My Department has received no formal complaints to date about the quality of the equipment. Maintenance contracts are in place with the suppliers to provide after installation support should any difficulties with the equipment be encountered. Any complaints or difficulties over the quality of the equipment will be referred by the court to the suppliers.
§ Vera BairdTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what system of monitoring is in place for parties in a case to report concerns about the quality of video equipment provided to courts. [147670]
§ Mr. LeslieA Judicial Advisory Group, comprising judiciary from the Crown court, magistrates courts, county courts and tribunals, has been established to review and provide feedback on courtroom technology. This group meets on a regular basis and represents the views of the judiciary on matters such as video equipment.
The legal profession and members of the public can also use the complaints and customer service procedures, which are publicised at each court.
§ Vera BairdTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs on what quality criteria video equipment is chosen for use in cases which involve vulnerable and intimidated witnesses. [147671]
§ Mr. LeslieThe Judicial Advisory Group has been consulted about the specification for video equipment installed in Crown court centres. The Department is working with other Criminal Justice organisations to develop a standard for visual recording and playback across the Criminal Justice system. The standard is due to be published at the end of January 2004.
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§ Vera BairdTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs how the video equipment selected for pre-trial hearings differs from that selected for criminal trials; and what criteria are used for this selection. [147672]
§ Mr. LeslieThe video equipment installed in 30 Crown court sites during 2003 can be used for pre-trial hearings and during criminal trials.