HC Deb 30 October 2003 vol 412 cc329-31W
Vera Baird

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what plans he has to compile annual reports on the work of the small claims court separately from the report on the Courts Service. [134938]

Mr. Leslie

The Court Service will shortly be publishing the first edition of the County Court Annual Report. It will cover the period 2002–03.

Vera Baird

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs whether those who adjudicate in the small claims court are given training to help them assist unrepresented parties to actions in the small claims court. [134294]

Mr. Leslie

Judicial training is the responsibility of the Judicial Studies Board (JSB), an independent body chaired by Lord Justice Keene. The JSB provides written guidance to judges on the conduct of small claims cases in its Civil Bench Book and on the particular needs of litigants in person in its Equal Treatment Bench Book. Both publications are publicly available via the JSB's website (www.jsboard.co.uk). Judges who sit in the county court attend an Induction Course on first appointment and further training is provided at three-yearly intervals for all who exercise the civil jurisdiction. All such training includes sessions on the needs of litigants in person.

Vera Baird

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what mediation resources are made available to(a) claimants and (b) defendants involved in actions in the small claims court. [134297]

Mr. Lammy

There is no national provision of mediation services within the court system. A pilot scheme for mediating small claims cases is provided by the Devon and Exeter Law Society at Exeter, Barnstaple and Torquay County Courts. If it proves successful we will consider extending a similar service to other courts.

Vera Baird

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what the average cost has been to public funds of each action brought in the small claims court in the last three years. [134298]

Mr. Lammy

The only cost to public funds in pursuing a small claim through the county court is in relation to the exemption and remission of fees. Separate figures on exemption and remission are not collected on claims which fall in the monetary bands of the small claims track.

Vera Baird

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what legal advice and support is available to(a) claimants and (b) defendants involved in actions in the small claims court. [134300]

Mr. Lammy

Although there is no specific provision of legal advice at small claims courts themselves, Court Service staff do provide assistance to claimants and defendants on procedural matters regarding the hearings. Money Claims Online, launched in December 2001, also allows claimants and defendants in small claims proceedings to submit their claims and responses online, thereby reducing pressure on the courts themselves. In addition, all courts in England and Wales are Quality Marked Information Points for The Community Legal Service (CLS) and hold the CLS directory which contains information on service providers such as Citizens Advice Bureaux, Law Centres, independent advice agencies and solicitors. Through the CLS information and advice is available in a wide range of categories such as consumer claims, disputes between landlords and tenants about repairs, deposits and rent arrears.

Vera Baird

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs how the effectiveness of the small claims court as a means for the public to recover small claims economically is monitored and assessed by the Department. [134303]

Mr. Leslie

There is no measure in place to monitor or assess the effectiveness of the county court as a means for the public to recover small claims economically. However, under the department's Public Service Agreements we have a number of business targets which have been identified to measure our performance in reducing unnecessary delay, reducing unnecessary cost and improving enforcement.