HL Deb 19 January 2005 vol 668 cc105-6WA
Earl Howe

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the undertaking given in 1997 by the then Home Secretary that the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) would be reviewed by the Home Office "at least every five years to examine critically both the justification for the body on policy grounds and its internal systems of financial management and control" (CCRC Management Statement paragraph 8.2) has been fulfilled; and, if so, when and with what conclusions. [HL597]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

An interim review of the Criminal Cases Review Commission took place in January 2000. This review found no evidence to suggest that the CCRC was not managing its systems of control effectively, efficiently and economically. An assurance was provided to the departmental accounting officer that there were adequate and effective mechanisms in place for achieving good governance. The commission's accounting officer has also provided annual statements of systems assurance.

For small NDPBs like the Criminal Cases Review Commission, there is no longer a requirement to undertake reviews every five years, nor is a minimum period stipulated. The Cabinet Office has issued new guidance for departments on how to conduct reviews.

These vary according to the size and remit of the NDPB concerned but generally will aim to ensure that the NDPB is delivering high quality services efficiently and effectively and fits appropriately into the department's overall delivery structure.

We are satisfied that the retention of the CCRC is justified and that the internal systems are satisfactory. The Home Office Select Committee is also satisfied that the CCRC is an effective organisation.

The management statement and financial memorandum are currently being reviewed and re-drafted and new versions will be published soon. These will reflect the new arrangements for reviews and will also incorporate other changes and amendments which have taken place in respect of the management and governance of NDPBs.

Earl Howe

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they consider that the Criminal Cases Review Commission is successfully fulfilling its remit; and in particular whether the time taken for it to process claims is satisfactory. [HL598]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

The Government believe that the Criminal Cases Review Commission is successfully fulfilling its remit as an independent body investigating miscarriages of criminal justice in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The commission has won the confidence of its stakeholders and built a solid reputation for its impartiality and thoroughness.

In 80 per cent of cases the time taken to process applications is within weeks and is therefore satisfactory. The remaining cases are complex and require considerable case worker effort to complete, and the number of accumulated cases in this category means that the waiting times are longer than we would like. This is why the commission's priority is to reduce the remaining case accumulation.