HC Deb 28 November 1974 vol 882 cc604-6
6. Mr. Craig

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he is aware of the growing disquiet among the legal professions in Northern Ireland because of the inadequacies of the legal system and in particular the lengthy delays in getting cases heard both in the civil and criminal jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the Government's plans to improve the situation.

13. Mr. Beith

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will now publish the report of the Jones Committee.

The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (Mr. Roland Moyle)

There has in recent years been a fundamental review of the jurisdiction and organisation of the courts in Northern Ireland by three broadly based committees. My right hon. Friend is considering urgently what legislative and other steps are now necessary in the light of the MacDermott and Lowry Reports to relieve the exceptional pressure on the courts, and it is hoped that the Jones Report will be published soon. In the meantime, additional appointments have been made to the county court bench and the courts dealing with non-jury trials have been increased from three to five, and in the new year a sixth court will be sitting for these cases.

Mr. Craig

I thank the Minister for his reply, but he must be aware that it will hardly give satisfaction. A civil action takes from 18 months to two years to work through the list. On average, people are remanded in custody for eight months in criminal cases. By any standards that is deplorable. The Minister must be aware that in 1970 the committee recommended the establishment of a central criminal court and an increase in the jurisdiction of county courts. Both measures would have helped considerably in alleviating the delays. I ask the Minister to ensure that something is done very soon in this respect.

Mr. Moyle

I do not seek to deny the general figures given by the right hon. Gentleman, but we should give credit to the courts for the way in which they are handling the vast increase in cases in Northern Ireland. For example, in 1968 the number of people tried for indictable offences at assizes and county courts was 696, whereas up to 19th November this year 1,654 cases had been dealt with. This shows that, in general, the courts are taking steps to handle with efficiency the greatly increased number of cases. We shall do our best to expedite a review of the matter and these problems.

Mr. Beith

It has taken nearly a year to get the Jones Report published. Surely a relatively simple increase in the financial jurisdiction of county courts is only what would be in line with inflation, and could be carried out quickly. Is the hon. Gentleman aware that great personal hardship is caused to many people by this long delay?

Mr. Moyle

There will be an announcement soon about the Jones Report, but I remind the hon. Gentleman that many of its provisions are interlocked with the MacDermott and Lowry Reports which have gone before it. All three have to be considered together.

Rev. Ian Paisley

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that long delays in trying remand prisoners are causing great concern? A young man called Jess was in prison for 11 months on remand, the Director of Public Prosecutions refused any consideration of bail in the courts, but when the case came up for trial he refused to present evidence and the young man was released.

Mr. Moyle

Matters relating to the Director of Public Prosecutions are not within my responsibility. They are kept clear of any Executive influence, and rightly so.

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