§ Ms. Harmanasked the Attorney-General what was the average length of time for each of the past three years before prisoners remanded in custody were brought before the Crown court for trial in London; and how this compares with the national average.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe following table shows average waiting times between committal and trial, in London and nationally, for defendants remanded in custody who were dealt with in the Crown court in 1981, 1982 and 1983. Because waiting times in London significantly affect the national average, separate figures are also given for England and Wales excluding London.
Average waiting time between committal and trial for defendants remanded in custody* who were dealt with at the Crown court in 1981, 1982 and 1983 Weeks Year †London England and Wales England and Wales excluding London 1981‡ 14.1 9.6 8.6 1982║ 15.1 9.8 8.7 1983 16.2 9.7 8.6 * Defendants remanded in custody are those who are in custody at any time between committal and arraignment. † Includes Crown Court Centres at Acton, Central Criminal Court, Inner London Sessions House, Knightsbridge, Southwark, Snaresbrook and Wood Green. ‡ Estimate based on figures for second and fourth quarters only. ║ Estimate based on figures for second, third and fourth quarters only.