Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment his department has made of the level of need for non police personnel vetted British Sign Language interpreters, and whether he has plans to increase this capacity.

The Ministry of Justice keeps demand for appropriately vetted British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters under review. Current contract management information does not indicate that the availability of interpreters holding Non-Police Personnel Vetting Level 3 (NPPV3) clearance is adversely affecting the fulfilment of BSL bookings.

The Department will continue to monitor demand and work with its supplier to address any capacity requirements that arise.