§ Mr. Leeasked the Attorney-General how many defendants awaiting trial on indictments have been waiting for a period of more than 12 months at the latest available date; how many cases involve defendants held in custody; how many involve those on bail; and what were the corresponding figures one year and two years ago, respectively.
The Attorney-GeneralI regret this information is not available in the form sought. However, Table B4(d) of Judicial Statistics 1977 (Cmnd. 7254) gives a breakdown of the time spent awaiting trial, in custody and on bail, during 1976 and 1977. For example, in 1977, 76 per cent. of defendants in custody waited eight weeks or less, and 92 per cent. waited 20 weeks or less. If my hon. Friend seeks information about defendants currently awaiting trial at any particular Crown court centre, and will write to my noble Friend, he will obtain it for him.