§ Mr. Litterickasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department of the people currently on remand in custody, how many have been in custody for (a) less than three months, (b) three to six months, (c) six to nine months and (d) more than nine months; and what are the comparable figures for the corresponding time during each of the last five years.
§ Mr. JohnI regret that the information requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The available information is shown in the following table:
many people are currently on remand in custody in England and Wales; and how
463Wthis figure compares with those for the corresponding periods in each of the last five years.
§ Mr. JohnOn 31st December 1976 there were 2,925 persons in custody in prisons and remand centres in England and Wales awaiting trial. The corresponding numbers in earlier years were:
31st December 1975 … 2,812 31st December 1974 … 3,148 31st December 1973 … 2,671 31st December 1972 … 2,614 31st December 1971 … 2,475