31Deaf and mute witnesses

31 Deaf and mute witnesses (1) A witness who cannot hear adequately may be questioned in any appropriate way. (2) A witness who cannot speak adequately may give evidence by any appropriate means. (3) The court may give directions about either or both of the following: (a) the way in which a witness may be questioned under subsection (1); (b) the means by which a witness may give evidence under subsection (2). (4) This section does not affect the right of a witness to whom this section applies to give evidence about a fact— (a) through an interpreter under section 30; or (b) with the assistance of an intermediary under the Evidence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1991, chapter 1B (Witness intermediaries—criminal proceedings).