Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Oliver Heald and Andrew Bingham

Tuesday 6th December 2016 Commons Chamber

[Andrew Bingham (High Peak) (Con)]

13. What steps the Government are taking to protect vulnerable witnesses when they testify in court.

[The Minister for Courts and Justice (Sir Oliver Heald)]

We are committed to helping vulnerable witnesses to give their very best evidence. A range of measures exist to help to reduce the anxiety of giving evidence, including video-link evidence away from the courtroom, and, within the court, giving evidence behind a screen.

[Andrew Bingham]

Following the closure of my local court in Buxton, witnesses will have to travel from my High Peak constituency to the nearest court. Can my right hon. and learned Friend provide further assurance that there will be protection for witnesses not only in the court, but when they are travelling to it?

[Sir Oliver Heald]

Yes, I can do that. When a witness needs protection, the police assess what is required to keep them safe. Witness care officers also help to ensure that the witness has any help that they need to attend court.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Oliver Heald and Andrew Bingham

Tuesday 6th September 2016 Commons Chamber

[Andrew Bingham (High Peak) (Con)]

T9. Following the closure of Buxton courthouse in my constituency, the previous Minister decided, following my representations, that the work should go to Stockport, not Chesterfield, as had originally been intended. However, a sign has now appeared on the disused courthouse saying that the work has gone to Chesterfield. Will my hon. and learned Friend please investigate this and ensure that the decision made by the Minister is implemented, rather than the one envisaged by the officials in the original, flawed consultation?

[Sir Oliver Heald]

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising this issue. He will be pleased to hear that I have had that notice taken down. The response to the consultation stated that the work would go to Stockport and Chesterfield, and that is what is happening.