§ Mr. Weitzmanasked the Attorney-General how many civil cases listed for hearing at Crown courts were not reached on the day when they were first listed for hearing; how many of these had been previously fixed for hearing; and whether he is aware of the costs involved in the abortive attendance of litigants, witnesses and legal advisers.
§ The Attorney-GeneralI assume that the hon. and learned Member is referring to High Court cases outside London. The detailed information which he seeks is not available, but cases are generally reached on the day on which they are listed for trial and this is almost invariably so where a fixed date has been given in advance. Court staff have instructions to avoid unnecessary attendance by litigants and witnesses, wherever possible. If the hon. and learned Member knows of any particular instance which has given rise to difficulty, my noble Friend the Lord Chancellor will investigate the matter.