§ 34. Mr. Croninasked the Attorney-General if he will take steps to expedite the disposal of the recent accumulation of criminal and civil cases awaiting trial.
§ The Attorney-GeneralA number of steps are already being taken to deal with this serious problem. The Government have announced their acceptance in principle of the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Assizes and Quarter Sessions, including the Commission's proposals for the action needed in advance of legislation. Under the Administration of Justice Bill, now before Parliament, it will be possible to make better use of the judges' time by reducing the number of places at which assizes are held. A review of court accommodation throughout the country has already been put in hand with a view in particular to the provision of new courts at those places where they are urgently required.
§ Mr. CroninDoes not my right hon. and learned Friend agree that the delay in cases being brought to trial is so serious as to constitute in many cases the denial of the justice which British 28 citizens normally expect? Will he consider appointing more judges as an emergency measure and also streamlining court procedures, particularly with regard to personal injury cases, which occupy about three-quarters of the civil list?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe delays in bringing cases to trial are serious. We are seeking to tackle the matter by taking early steps to implement the Beeching Report. The main difficulty is in regard to accommodation and in respect of that also the action I have mentioned has been taken. There have been a number of commissions and committees dealing with recommendations for expediting proceedings and simplifying procedures, but it is a complex matter.
§ Sir D. RentonCan the right hon. and learned Gentleman give an up-to-date figure of the number of cases awaiting trial in the High Court compared with a year ago?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI do not think that I can give that figure without notice, but the situation has been aggravated by the increase in the number of writs issued last year in the Queen's Bench Division, from 77,000 in 1968 to 96,000 in 1969.' The number of criminal appeals lodged increased from 8,800 in 1968 to 9,700 in 1969. This is the nature of the problem we are meeting.
§ Mr. DoughtyIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that the vast majority of criminal cases tried on indictment are tried at quarter sessions, which are well up to date in their work and where there is no delay?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThat is true by and large but there are delays there now, I am afraid.
§ Mr. CarlisleIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that, in the North-West, the accumulation in civil cases has been growing alarmingly as a result of the fact that most of the time of judges is taken up in dealing with crime while they are on assize there? Would he consider the appointment of a permanent civil court in the North-West as a matter of urgency?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThis is one of the suggestions now being considered.