§ 68 and 69. Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Attorney-General (1) what representations he has received regarding the failure of the verbatim recording of court cases; if he is aware of the difficulties frequently caused by the lack of such information; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what steps are being taken by his Department to improve the efficiency and speed of full reporting of court proceedings; what investigations have already taken place; what proposals are envisaged for using new advanced technology for such court reporting; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Attorney-GeneralMy noble Friend is very much aware of the difficulties which can arise in appeal cases from delays in the availability of transcripts, both of shorthand and of tape recordings. Over the last 12 months, with the co-operation of the firms concerned, the number of transcripts outstanding and the periods of delay involved have both been appreciably reduced. Even with the increase in the number of criminal courts sitting, this progress is continuing. My noble Friend last year appointed a broadly representative working party to advise him on the long-term future of court reporting. The working party has considered both present and several new technical methods, and its report is expected very shortly.