§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Attorney-General whether he has received the communication from the hon. Member for West Ham, North, giving prima facie evidence that many innocent people are still being caused suffering due to delay in carrying out justice; and what progress has been made in the Government's efforts to ensure that cases are brought to trial expeditiously.
§ The Attorney-GeneralMy noble and learned Friend recognises that, owing to the heavy increase in the number and length of criminal cases for trial in London, the waiting period before trial is often longer than it ought to be. It was for this reason that he introduced a "crash programme" last summer for the setting up of a number of temporary courts which would be available before the courts planned for the longer term could be brought into use. Under this "crash programme" four additional courts have been made available for the use of the Old Bailey, and a further 10 for quarter sessions in Greater London. There is every reason to believe that, as these and other courts which are planned are brought into use, the delays will be reduced, but it is bound to be some time before the effects of this "crash programme" can be felt.