Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in the light of the allegations made regarding expert witnesses in the BBC Panorama programme Justice for Sale, broadcast on 9 June, they intend to revise the rules regarding the use of expert witnesses in criminal trials.

There is no place in the justice system for corrupt expert witnesses. Those who are found guilty can face prosecution for perjury, or for perverting the course of justice which carries the maximum penalty of a life sentence.

Following the Government's response to the Law Commission's report into Expert Evidence, the Criminal Procedure Rule Committee was asked to make changes to the Rules which will clarify the duties of expert witnesses and remind the parties, and the courts, of the vital importance of distinguishing between those conclusions that expert evidence can support, and those which it cannot. The Committee has agreed to do so and I expect these new Rules to come into force in October.