Oral Answers to Questions

Graeme Morrice Excerpts

Tuesday 15th November 2011 Commons Chamber

[Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab)]

1. What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on the Baker report on extradition arrangements.

[Graeme Morrice (Livingston) (Lab)]

10. What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on the Baker report on extradition arrangements.

[The Attorney-General (Mr Dominic Grieve)]

I have not had any such discussions with my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.

[The Attorney-General]

The first thing the coalition Government decided to do on taking office was ask Lord Justice Scott Baker to preside over a report; of course, he was helped by others in that. We have now had that report. I will consider the recommendations that are specific to the Law Officers in conjunction with the Director of Public Prosecutions and the director of the Serious Fraud Office. That involves discussions with devolved jurisdictions. Of course, my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary will consult on the recommendations that touch on her responsibilities, together with other members of the Government who can provide some input.

[Graeme Morrice]

What consideration has the Attorney-General given to implementing a forum bar to give judges more discretion in deciding whether it is in the interests of justice for cases to be tried in the UK, such as the case involving Gary McKinnon, or where the offence was committed in the UK and it is difficult for the defence to bring witnesses and evidence to a foreign jurisdiction?

[The Attorney-General]

The hon. Gentleman makes an important point, which is touched on in Lord Justice Scott Baker’s report, and will have to be taken into account in the Government response. He will be aware that Lord Justice Scott Baker’s proposals are guidelines, rather than an implementation of the forum bar. That is something that the Government will have to consider.