Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Garnier and Jim Shannon

Tuesday 20th March 2012 Commons Chamber

[Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP)]

5. What recent progress he has made in increasing the rate of prosecutions for domestic violence.

[The Solicitor-General (Mr Edward Garnier)]

The number of domestic violence prosecutions in England and Wales has increased from 57,361 in 2006-07 to 82,187 in 2010-11. Prosecution in the hon. Gentleman’s constituency is, of course, a matter for the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland.

[Jim Shannon]

Each year, many of those who suffer domestic violence return to the home where it all began. For them, legal aid is vital before a decision is made. Will the Minister urge his colleagues in the Ministry of Justice not to reverse the improvements in protection for victims of domestic violence that the Lords have made to the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill?

[The Solicitor-General]

I will certainly make sure that my right hon. and hon. Friends in that Department have heard what the hon. Gentleman has had to say.