§ 35. Mr. BarnesTo ask the Attorney-General what representations he has received concerning the length of time taken between arrest and conviction of criminals; and if he will make a statement. [273]
§ The Solicitor-GeneralFollowing a number of representations, my right hon. and learned Friends the Home Secretary, the Lord Chancellor and the Attorney-General have set up a review—announced on 15 October, and to report by the end of January—to identify means of expediting the progress of criminal cases.
§ Mr. BarnesAre not the present arrangements pretty miserable for everyone concerned? They are miserable for victims because they must relive their case in court and hang on and on until the case comes up, suffering during that time; and they are miserable for people on remand—helping to clog up prisons—some of whom will be determined to be innocent when the case reaches court. Is not it therefore beyond time that this review was concluded and the material submitted? The Conservatives have had 17 years in which to act.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThe hon. Gentleman appears to overlook the fact that, in most Crown courts, the waiting period for trial is shorter than it was some time ago. He has also overlooked several initiatives that have been taken jointly by the police and the CPS to speed up cases in magistrates courts. Recently, we have instituted pilot projects in which lawyers have been placed in police stations to give advice straight away, piloted a system for proof of minor road traffic cases at first hearing, and reduced paperwork in expected pleas of guilty in magistrates courts.