§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his policy is on the admissibility of(a) hearsay evidence and (b) written evidence from abroad in relation to prosecutions under anti-terrorism legislation. [162610]
§ Mr. Blunkett[holding answer 22 March 2004]: Prosecutions under counter terrorist legislation are conducted in the same way as other prosecutions and the same rules on the admissibility of evidence apply, including the law on hearsay. At present, written statements from witnesses abroad who are unable to attend the trial, may be admitted as evidence if certain conditions are met. When implemented, the Criminal Justice Act 2003 provides that witness statements will generally be admissible in any criminal proceedings where a witness is abroad, subject to certain safeguards.