§ Mr. SandersTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will take steps to allow members of the public to view court transcripts without charge. [49754]
§ Mr. HoonMembers of the public can, with the permission of the court, obtain from private contractors transcripts of hearings held in open court provided they do not involve sensitive issues, such as child abuse. However, transcribers are entitled to charge for this, or for copying the transcript if one has already been made. There are no plans to provide transcripts free of charge.
§ Mr. SandersTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will take steps to ensure that copies of court transcripts are made available free of charge. [49753]
§ Mr. HoonThere are no plans to provide copies of transcripts free of charge. The Court Service pays for transcripts required for appeal purposes. Only between 5–10 per cent. of cases are transcribed for the Court of Appeal at a cost of approximately £700,000 pa. The increased demand, if transcripts were made freely available, would not, in my judgment make the best use of taxpayers' money.