§ 72. Mr. Marloweasked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that there are some 1,300 long non-jury actions and 400 short non-jury actions awaiting trial 167W in the High Court of Justice, Queen's Bench Division, in London; that owing to the heavy lists in the assize courts there are on an average only three judges available to deal with these cases at present and that prolonged delay for litigants is inevitable unless prompt action is taken; and what steps are proposed to remedy this situation.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThere is invariably a large number of non-jury cases awaiting trial in London at this time of year, owing to the number of cases set down during the Long Vacation and the judicial time occupied in sittings of the Court of Criminal Appeal and the Divisional Court. In addition, it was necessary this year for two judges, who would otherwise have been available in London, to go to Liverpool to dispose of the civil actions awaiting trial there. But it is hoped that there will be at least four or five judges available to deal with non-jury cases in London for the remainder of this Term and that there will be a considerable reduction in the lists by the end of the Term. My noble Friend the Lord Chancellor is, however, keeping the matter under review.
§ 73. Mr. Marloweasked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that there are some 1,000 civil actions awaiting trial at Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds; that some 30 jury actions awaiting trial in London have been stood over until next term because judges are not available to take them; and whether sufficient commissioners will be appointed or other steps taken to ensure that the long delays now affecting litigation are reduced.
§ The Attorney-GeneralI am aware that there is considerable delay in bringing civil actions to trial at certain assize towns owing to the demands which the serious increase in crime make upon the time of Her Majesty's Judges. My noble Friend the Lord Chancellor is giving careful consideration to the steps which can be taken to remedy this state of affairs.