HC Deb 15 June 1999 vol 333 cc98-9W
Sir Nicholas Lyell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the daily cost of a trial in a contested case before(a) the Crown Court in England and Wales and (b) the Sheriff's Court in Scotland. [86763]

Mr. Boateng

In 1997–98, the average cost of a contested trial in the Crown Court in England and Wales is estimated to be £18,100. The estimate is for the costs of a trial of average length and includes "capital costs" as well as the running costs of the Criminal Justice System for all of the different agencies.

In 1997–98, the average criminal case cost in Sheriff and jury cases in Scotland where evidence was led was £10,900. The estimate includes court, prosecution and legal aid costs—but excludes "capital costs". Daily costs are not available.

Sir Nicholas Lyell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his estimate of the cost of trials(a) in the Crown Court and (b) in the magistrates court lasting (i) one day, (ii) two days, (iii) three days, (iv) four days and (v) five days; and how such figures are calculated. [86759]

Mr. Boateng

The average costs of a trial in England and Wales in 1997–98 are estimated to be£8,700 for a trial in the Crown Court (regardless of plea, all indictable offences); and £500 for a trial in a magistrates' court (regardless of plea, all offences).

The estimates are for the costs of a trial of average length and include "capital costs", as well as the running costs of the Criminal Justice System for all of the different agencies. Separate figures are not available for trial of different lengths.