HC Deb 02 March 1971 vol 812 cc385-6W
35. Mr. Denzil Davies

asked the Attorney-General what steps are being taken to shorten the period of time between an appellant's conviction in the lower courts and the receipt by the Registrar of the Criminal Division of the Court of Appeal of the transcript of the case.

Mr. Clinton Davis

asked the Attorney-General if he is aware of the delays which are occasioned in the hearings of appeals in both the civil and criminal divisions of the Court of Appeal by difficulties in procuring transcripts from the Shorthand Department of the Court; and what steps is he taking to reduce such delays.

The Attorney-General

My noble Friend the Lord Chancellor is concerned about the length of time taken to obtain transcripts and is exploring, in consultation with the Lord Chief Justice, ways to prevent criminal appeals being unduly delayed through this. He will also within the next few days hold discussions with representatives of the shorthand-writers with a view to minimising these delays. While my noble Friend appreciates that the early production of transcripts for civil appeals is also desirable, he is of the opinion that priority must be given to criminal cases.

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