HC Deb 27 January 1999 vol 324 c250W
Mr. Clappison

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when he plans to publish the responses to his consultation paper on the right to trial by jury; [67582]

(2) what research he has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the election of trial in the Crown Court by defendants charged with an either-way offence since 1 October 1997; [67580]

(3) what steps he plans to take regarding the right to trial by jury following his consultation paper of July 1998; and if he will make a statement. [67583]

Mr. Boateng

No research has been conducted into the election of trial in the Crown Court by defendants charged with an either-way offence since 1 October 1997. The consultation paper on determining the mode of trial, considered whether defendants should be able to choose to be tried by a jury in cases which magistrates have indicated that they would be content to hear. We are currently considering the responses to this consultation exercise and will make a statement when we have reached a final decision.