Oral Answers to Questions

Rushanara Ali Excerpts

Tuesday 10th July 2012 Commons Chamber

[The Attorney-General]

I am not quite sure how best to answer the hon. Gentleman’s question. The Crown Prosecution Service is a demand-driven organisation. As and when its services are called on, it will do the work to help the police with investigations. That is what it does day in, day out and what it will certainly continue to do over the course of the Olympics.

[Rushanara Ali (Bethnal Green and Bow) (Lab)]

9. What progress he has made on introducing fast-tracked prosecutions during the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

[The Solicitor-General (Mr Edward Garnier)]

The arrangements for fast-track prosecutions during the Olympics and Paralympics are in place and they have been agreed by the courts, the Crown Prosecution Service, the police and representatives of defence lawyers in London. Olympic offences originating from the hon. Lady’s part of London will be dealt with at Thames magistrates court and Snaresbrook Crown court, with priority cases being dealt with at Highbury Corner magistrate’s court.

[Rushanara Ali]

The Crown Prosecution Service has been quoted by the media as saying that offences classified as “Olympic offences” will be fast-tracked through the courts during the Olympic and Paralympic games. Will the Solicitor-General explain what is meant by an “Olympic offence”, and does he think that it is right that Crown and magistrates courts near Olympic venues or traffic hubs should close or reduce their sittings during the games?

[The Solicitor-General]

I think the media are quoting a letter shown to them by the shadow Attorney-General—