Oral Answers to Questions

Ian Lavery Excerpts

Tuesday 30th November 2010 Commons Chamber

The Attorney-General was asked—

[Ian Lavery (Wansbeck) (Lab)]

1. What plans the Crown Prosecution Service has to increase the effectiveness of prosecution policy in respect of domestic violence.

[The Attorney-General (Mr Dominic Grieve)]

The Crown Prosecution Service has an effective domestic violence prosecution policy, with a 29% increase in the number of prosecutions over the past four years and successful outcomes rising from 65% to 72%. In saying that, I recognise the work put in by my predecessors in this office in trying to raise the profile of that appalling crime. The CPS keeps its policy under review and in September 2010 it published guidance on prosecuting stalking and harassment. In January 2011 the CPS will introduce a new local assurance system to support the conduct of domestic violence prosecutions.

[Ian Lavery]

Given the 24% reduction in the Law Officers’ Department’s expenditure, will the Attorney-General confirm that he believes that the CPS has the resources that it requires to deliver effectively the violence against women strategy developed by the Labour Government?

[The Attorney-General]

Yes, I can. There is no intention of diminishing that strategy in any way and it will remain a major priority of the CPS.