HC Deb 27 July 1978 vol 954 cc858-9W
Mr. Kenneth Clarke

asked the Attorney-General what is the average waiting time between committal and trial for contested criminal cases in the Crown courts in Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Birmingham and Coventry, respectively; and what were the equivalent figures 12 months and two years ago.

Mr. Arthur Davidson

The average waiting times between committal and start of hearing for defendants who pleaded not guilty during January to March 1976, 1977 and 1978 in the Crown courts at Nottingham, Derby Leicester, Birmingham and Coventry were as follows:

January to March
1976(weeks) 1977(weeks) 1978(weeks)
Nottingham 11.1 11.8 14.3
Derby 8.8 10.4 11.7
Leicester 14.6 9.3 13.5
Birmingham 11.1 15.6 18.8
Coventry 10.5 10.4 13.8