News from the FDA

18July 2002

[For Immediate Use]

FDA welcomes enhanced CPS powers

Significantly enhanced powersfor the Crown Prosecution Service set out today in the government's White PaperJustice for All have been welcomed by the FDA. The FDA is the trade unionwhich represents all CPS lawyers and senior managers.

Jonathan Baume, FDA generalsecretary, said:

The White Paper recognisesthe major role that the Crown Prosecution Service plays in an effective CriminalJustice System. The enhanced powers of Crown Prosecutors to determine chargesand their pivotal role in disclosure will be of significant benefit in buildingthe confidence of the public that justice is being delivered.

This is a real tribute notonly to the hard work and dedication of individual Crown Prosecutors but alsoto the achievements of the CPS as a whole since the Glidewell Review in1998".

Ends

Notesfor Editors

1. TheFDA is the trade union and professional body representing the UKs 11,000senior civil and public servants. Our members include policy advisors, seniormanagers, tax inspectors, economists, statisticians, accountants, governmentlawyers, crown prosecutors and NHS managers

2. Forfurther information contact:

Jonathan Baume (general secretary) on 020-7343-1111 or 07976-951191 (mobile)

Simon Moore (chief press officer) on020-7343-1111 or 07967 484441 (mobile)