Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Oral Answers to Questions

Lord Garnier Excerpts
Tuesday 18th September 2012

(11 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Chris Grayling Portrait Chris Grayling
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The key issue related to last week’s criminal injuries debate is that I want to ensure that we prepare for the unexpected. I do not see that there is a case for targeting resources at minor injuries that do not have a significant effect on the lives of those affected. I want to concentrate resources on people who suffer life-changing circumstances as a result of crime. However, I want to ensure that we have enough flexibility to deal with unexpected lower-level cases that do not conform with the overall norms of the scheme.

Lord Garnier Portrait Mr Edward Garnier (Harborough) (Con)
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My right hon. Friend will know that the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a non-state organisation that can bring prosecutions in its own name. Unlike the Crown Prosecution Service, however, when it loses cases because it has got either the law or the facts wrong, costs orders are never made in favour of the successful defendant. Will he investigate why the courts never award costs orders against the RSPCA and in favour of successful defendants?