§ 32. Mr. ClappisonTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the change in the work load of(a) magistrates and (b) judges as a result of the proposal to restrict trial by jury. [141595]
§ 33. Mr. LeighTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on the effect on the administration of the court system of restricting trial by jury. [141596]
§ Mr. LockThe proposal to restrict trial by jury will increase the magistrates' current work load of nearly 2 million criminal proceedings a year by about 14,000. The work load of the Crown court will consequently decrease significantly, even if account is taken of a number of appeals on mode of trial and an increase in appeals against conviction from defendants previously electing for trial in the Crown court.