Criminal Justice: Interpretation and Translation Services

Debate between Lord Keen of Elie and Lord Bishop of Leeds

Wednesday 29th November 2017 Lords Chamber

[Lord Keen of Elie]

It is clearly critical to the administration of justice and to the issue of access to justice that full and adequate interpretation services should be available to the courts and to those who have recourse to them.

[The Lord Bishop of Leeds]

My Lords, there is clearly a difference between interpretation and translation. I speak as a former professional linguist. What about quality control? Will the Minister comment on that? Being able to deal with a language is not the same as being a competent interpreter, sometimes of very delicate matters.

[Lord Keen of Elie]

I entirely agree with the observation made by the right reverend Prelate. That is why the present contract provision includes a quality assurance provision by the Language Shop, to ensure that not only are the appropriate levels of qualification available but also the appropriate skills.