Question to the Attorney General:

To ask the Attorney General, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of prosecutors using computerised prosecution court files; and if he will make a statement.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has made substantial progress in implementing digital working with other Criminal Justice agencies. Almost all police forces are now transferring over 90% of case files electronically.

Between October 2014 and June 2015 the CPS has issued 5,576 mobile devices, meaning that 92% of staff now have such a device.

The CPS is introducing a ‘Prosecutor App’ for advocates in the magistrates’ court. This is designed to make preparing for, prosecuting and recording hearings easier for prosecutors and provide administrative teams with timely information to record hearing outcomes.

Savings and efficiencies are being made through business process change, headcount reductions and reduced printing and transport of paper. By the end of 2015-16, the CPS estimates that savings of approximately £30million per annum will be achieved.