§ Mr. Hoosonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average delay between committal for trial at Assizes and the hearing of the trial in England and Wales at the present time; and whether the average delay differs for persons on bail from those who are in custody.
§ Mr. Elystan Morgan:I regret that this information is not available at present, but I understand that the Royal Commission on Assizes and Quarter Sessions has made a special survey of the length of time which elapses between committal for trial and hearing in criminal proceedings and will be publishing their findings. I am informed that the average period of time which elapses in such cases is usually less for defendants in custody.