§ 42. Mr. BayleyTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to hold additional Crown court sittings in York.
Mr. John M. TaylorThe work load of the Crown court at York is increasing. Some cases from York are currently being transferred to Leeds. Two court rooms at Hull will be utilised also to contain York's existing work load. The hon. Gentleman will be aware that exploratory discussions are taking place between my Department and York city council concerning the possibility of incorporating a new court building into a proposed development near the existing Crown court building in York.
§ Mr. BayleyWhat reassurance can the Minister give a constituent about whom have written to his Department? She was attacked by a man and had to spend 46 weeks living with him at large in the community, as he was remanded on bail between the date of committal and the date of the trial, at which he was found guilty. Will the Minister take action in the interim, before building a new court, to look for premises in York in which he could open a temporary third court to shorten the waiting time? After all, the courts charter published last week says that 16 weeks should be the maximum time between committal and trial.
Mr. TaylorIt is certainly true that there has been an unusual surge of case load in the York area which has been against the national trend. I cannot comment on the individual lady's case, but if the hon. Gentleman cares to write to me, I will ensure him a proper reply.