§ 30. Mr. Stanbrookasked the Attorney-General what steps are being taken to reduce the length of time between committal and trial for indictable offences.
The Solicitor-General (Sir Ian Pereival)These intervals are excessive mainly in London and the South-East. The Lord Chancellor has increased the number of judges, and the number of Crown courtrooms. More courtrooms are being provided. In addition more than 50 967 judges from other circuits have agreed to sit for a time in the South-East during this year, to help with the backlog. That is much appreciated, and it is hoped that it will play a significant part.
§ Mr. StanbrookI recognise my hon. and learned Friend's concern about this matter. Has the idea of courts sitting in two shifts, thus utilising more than four and a half hours in the average working day been considered? As to the supply of judges, is my hon. and learned Friend aware that many recorders are willing to sit for more than the statutory limit of 30 days in the year if called upon to do so?
The Solicitor-GeneralThe question of double shifts has been considered, and I am informed that so far it has been felt that it is merely a matter of practicability rather than principle. Not only would it need more judges, but more staff to man the courts. One must also consider the availability, not to mention the convenience, of all who are concerned, including the parties, those whom they wish to represent them, solicitors, witnesses, prison staff who bring the prisoners to court, and so on. So far, it has been felt that the combination of those factors has made it impractical.
As to my hon. Friend's other point, he is wrong in thinking that there is a statutory maximum. There is neither a statutory maximum nor a maximum fixed in practice, but my noble and learned Friend feels that is is wrong for recorders to sit for more than about 50 days.
§ Mr. Jeffrey ThomasDoes the hon. and learned Gentleman agree that the delay amounts to a public scandal and a blot on the administration of justice? How big is the present backlog in courts on the South-Eastern circuit? What is the average delay between committal and trial? Will he and his noble Friend bear in mind the principle that justice delayed is justice denied?
The Solicitor-GeneralI am not sure whether it was my noble and learned Friend who coined that phrase, but, whether or not he did, he has quoted it as often as anyone, and he feels it just as strongly as anyone can. It is for that reason that he is determined not to leave unused any opportunity to speed things up, because he accepts what the hon. and learned Gentleman has said, namely, that 968 the present delays are unacceptable. As to the periods, I have two tables which I should be happy to put at the disposal of the hon. and learned Gentleman afterwards, if he wishes.