Oral Answers to Questions

Luciana Berger Excerpts

Tuesday 27th July 2010 Commons Chamber

[Geraint Davies (Swansea West) (Lab/Co-op)]

2. What recent representations he has received on the effect of introducing anonymity for defendants in rape cases on rates of prosecution by the Crown Prosecution Service in such cases.

[Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op)]

7. What recent representations he has received on the effect of introducing anonymity for defendants in rape cases on rates of prosecution by the Crown Prosecution Service in such cases.

[The Solicitor-General (Mr Edward Garnier)]

The direct answer is none. The responsibility for the policy lies with the Secretary of State for Justice.

--- Later in debate ---

[The Solicitor-General]

I am not sure of any such proposals, but if the hon. Gentleman has information that would help me to reach a proper conclusion, or if he wishes to refer the matter to the Ministry of Justice, which has the policy lead on this issue, or the Home Office, given that it has responsibility for the police, I am sure his representations would be gratefully received.

[Luciana Berger]

I am very disappointed to hear that the research is now not going to be out until the autumn. An answer from a Justice Minister, on 17 June, said that it would be published before the summer recess. Will the research alluded to be original research into the incidence of malicious false accusations of rape, or will it be a survey of existing evidence?

[The Solicitor-General]

The research will be research, and no doubt we will look into the matter as a whole. I am sorry to disappoint the hon. Lady—this must be very annoying for her—but she really needs to address her questions to the Ministry of Justice, which is the lead Ministry dealing with the issue.