Written questions by Thomas.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of reclassification of certain offences to summary only on reducing the backlog in the Crown Courts.

Awaiting answer.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure court proceedings are not delayed by the late arrival of prisoners.

Awaiting answer.

What recent progress he has made on the implementation of £34 million for criminal advocates.

Awaiting answer.

Whether they will require their department and agencies to offer payroll deductions to all employees to enable them to join a credit union.

I can confirm that the Ministry of Justice does not currently offer or promote credit union offerings through payroll deductions. However, the Department offers financial wellbeing support and advice through the employee benefits package.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of measures to support the victims of theft of a driving licence.

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring support is available for victims, so that those affected by crime, including theft, can access the help they need throughout the justice process.That is why, in total, the Ministry of Justice will be investing £550 million in victim support services over the next three years – the biggest investment in victim support services to date.This includes annual grant funding to the 42 Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) areas across England and Wales, who commission local practical, emotional and therapeutic services based on an assessment of need in their area.Within this envelope, we will be increasing funding for victim support services year on year, from 2026 to 2029, recognising the need to meet the rising cost pressures of delivery.

How many cases of trustee mismanagement of asset protection trusts were investigated by his Department in each of the last three years.

The trustees of a trust hold assets for the benefit of others (the beneficiaries of the trust) under the terms of the trust document.The general law of trusts enables the beneficiaries of a trust to hold the trustees to account to the extent permitted by the trust instrument or in legislation. In appropriate cases, it may be possible for the beneficiaries to have the trustees removed and replaced.The decision as to whether to take action against the trustees is, in the absence of a crime, for the beneficiaries affected, and disputes are determined by the courts rather than investigated by Government.

When he expects the Court of Appeal to consider the 1998 conviction of former subpostmistress Patricia Owen.

The case of Patricia Owen has been referred to the Court of Appeal by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) under section 9 of the Criminal Appeal Act 1995.Following approval for her daughter to act on her behalf, solicitors have been directed to lodge Grounds of Appeal by 3 December 2025.Once these are received, and the Respondent’s Notice is filed, the case will be prepared for listing before the Court.