More protection for child witnesses is planned

Members of Holyrood's Justice 2 Committee supported the general principles of the Scottish Executive's Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Bill.

However, committee convener Annabel Goldie said there was concern that the bill had "not been accurately costed".

The executive said it welcomed the MSPs' observations and would respond to concerns during the bill's passage.

We will give careful consideration to their points and will be responding to them over the coming parliamentary stages of the bill Executive spokeswoman

Ms Goldie said: "We believe that it is important that adequate support is provided for vulnerable people in the justice system and that this bill takes the right step forward.

"However, along with the finance committee, we are concerned that the bill has not been accurately costed.

"Unless there is proper funding in place, this bill will not be able to help the very people it is designed to reach."

Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson outlined a series of new measures in June.

The steps include allowing a friend or supporter to sit with a vulnerable witness.

Taking soundings

There will also be greater use of video links and wooden screens to protect vulnerable witnesses from direct eye contact with the accused.

The Justice 2 Committee has been taking soundings on the legislation.

In its report, the committee said some of the most vulnerable adult witnesses should be given more automatic right to protection.

Vulnerable witnesses should also be able to make their own application to give evidence using one of the special measures.

An executive spokeswoman said: "We welcome the report and note the issues the committee has raised.