Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Watson of Wyre Forest and Lord Garnier

Tuesday 7th February 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Tom Watson (West Bromwich East) (Lab)]

5. What recent discussions he has had with the Crown Prosecution Service on the progress made by the Leveson inquiry.

[The Solicitor-General (Mr Edward Garnier)]

None, save that the Director of Public Prosecutions has informed me recently that he has been asked to give evidence to the inquiry.

[Mr Watson]

Eighteen months ago, Alison Levitt, QC, was tasked with a review of the previous evidence from the 2006 hacking case. Will her conclusions be shared with Lord Leveson, and can they also be shared, maybe in a redacted form, with members of the Select Committee on Culture, Media and Sport, who are conducting an inquiry on the matter at the moment?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Watson of Wyre Forest and Lord Garnier

Tuesday 24th May 2011 Commons Chamber

[The Solicitor-General]

I share my hon. Friend’s concern about the way in which rape cases are currently prosecuted. As was stated in this House the other day, we want to bear down on the attrition rate. The conviction rate bears comparison with other aspects of the criminal system, but we want to ensure that rape victims can report their allegations to the police and that they are treated with care and sensitivity right the way through to what we hope is a conviction.

[Mr Tom Watson (West Bromwich East) (Lab)]

The Prime Minister has said that it should be a priority for the CPS and the Metropolitan police to follow the evidence where it goes in the phone hacking scandal. Will the Minister say whether it is cost pressures at the CPS that have left the Metropolitan police reluctant to pursue the evidence of other private investigators involved in the illegal covert surveillance of British citizens?

[The Solicitor-General]

I do not think that that is at all true. The hon. Gentleman has taken a close interest in this matter and I have no criticism of him for doing that, but the relationship between the CPS and the Metropolitan police is entirely clear and constitutional, and will, as the Prime Minister has said, permit both to lead the investigation to where the evidence takes it.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Watson of Wyre Forest and Lord Garnier

Tuesday 18th January 2011 Commons Chamber

[The Solicitor-General]

I would agree, and they will not.

[Mr Tom Watson (West Bromwich East) (Lab)]

3. What support the Law Officers’ Departments have provided for the investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service into alleged telephone hacking and blagging; and if he will make a statement.