Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Clarke of Nottingham and David Wright

Tuesday 13th December 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Clarke]

If taken too far, that can be stopped. Of course the lawyer is entitled to put forward mitigation for his client after the plea, but I strongly disapprove, and I am glad the hon. Gentleman would too, of any attempt for this to be used for people to make allegations against the victims, for the defendant to make a theatrical display in the witness box, for the jurors’ reactions to evidence to be filmed or anything of that kind. We are talking about the judgments and what is said as part of his official duties by the judge and, at this stage, I am not contemplating going any further.

[David Wright (Telford) (Lab)]

15. What arrangements his Department has in place to manage any shortfall of prison places.