To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consultation was held with members of the judiciary before, amendments were tabled to the Criminal Justice Bill in relation to sentencing for murder. [121965]

The Home Office has taken care to ensure that consultation with the judiciary has been an important part of the development of the proposals in relation to sentencing for murder, although the Government's final conclusions differed from views expressed by the judiciary. Prior to the tabling of amendments this consultation included:

A seminar with senior judicary and the Lord Chief Justice on 20 January 2003 providing an opportunity to comment on the developing proposals for sentencing in murder cases.

An informal meeting between the Lord Chief Justice and Lord Falconer on 13 March.

The development of the proposals for setting minimum terms for murder was also discussed during a meeting between the Lord Chief Justice and my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary on 13 March.