All 1 Debates between Oliver Heald and George Howarth

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Oliver Heald and George Howarth
Tuesday 4th June 2013

(11 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Oliver Heald Portrait The Solicitor-General
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Yes; in fact it has been a priority of the Director of Public Prosecutions to ensure that. We can always strive for a better performance, but as the results show, the CPS is making a major effort to tackle the cases effectively.

George Howarth Portrait Mr George Howarth (Knowsley) (Lab)
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The Solicitor-General will be aware that in the year up to September 2012, 1,243 sex offences resulted in a caution. Does he agree that it would be helpful to know a lot more about those cases, and to look at how they might impact on the conviction rates and how those offences are dealt with?

Oliver Heald Portrait The Solicitor-General
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Yes, research is important in this area. I sit on a ministerial group on violence against women and girls that is trying to examine these issues, with the help of the voluntary organisations. The right hon. Gentleman makes a good point and I will look into it.