§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what remit has been agreed for the review of the use of expert evidence in the family courts; who will be invited to submit evidence to the review; whether it is his intention to publish all submissions to the review; and when he will publish the findings of the review. [185416]
§ Dr. LadymanThe Chief Medical Officer (CMO) will take forward a programme of work to examine and make recommendations on how best to ensure the availability and quality of medical expert resources to the family courts. The terms of reference are
- a) To consider the role of expert medical witnesses in relation to family law cases:
- i. To examine the experts' participation through the process, and the competencies needed.
- ii. To examine evidence of best practice for expert witnesses.
- b) To identify a template and portfolio of medical skills by which a practitioner may be regarded as 'competent' to offer evidence.
- c) To advise on a sustainable supply of competent, quality-assured expert medical witnesses.
- d) To report and make recommendations to Government ministers in early 2005.
The work will involve a wide range of interests, including judicial, legal, clinical specialities, scientific, statistical and consumer groups, as well as health regulatory bodies.
Consideration will be given to the appropriateness of publishing individual submissions.