Mike Freer acknowledged the importance of transparency in the justice system but noted that providing transcripts free of charge would have significant financial implications for taxpayers. He explained that transcription companies calculate costs based on various factors and manual processes are currently used to produce transcripts, which can be expensive due to their length. The Minister highlighted existing measures to support victims, such as pre-recording evidence and the end-to-end rape review, but acknowledged concerns about court transcript fees. Freer stated that audio recordings of trials could potentially be made available free of charge for victims and committed to further consideration. He also mentioned ongoing work on improving victims' experiences through the Victims and Prisoners Bill and a call for evidence on open justice.