§ Mr. WallerTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when he expects to introduce legislation to assist parties seeking speedy and economic results in defamation proceedings. [22341]
Mr. John M. TaylorThe Government announced in November 1994 that there would be a new summary procedure which would help parties to defamation proceedings to clarify the real issues much earlier, and provide an inexpensive fast track for the disposal of straightforward claims. We are making good progress in preparing the draft statutory framework and will introduce legislation as soon as there is a suitable opportunity.