§ Mr. Oakesasked the Attorney-General what is the current waiting period for guilty and not guilty pleas, respectively, before a hearing at Liverpool Crown Court.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe average waiting time during the first quarter of 1973 for those committed to the Crown Court in Liverpool was 5.1 weeks in cases where it was known in advance that there would be a plea of guilty. The average waiting time for other pleas was 6.8 weeks.
§ Mr. Oakesasked the Attorney-General what are his proposals to provide new facilities for the Liverpool Crown Court; and when such facilities will be built.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe property services agency of the Department of the Environment has been asked to provide a new complex of 28 courts at Liverpool to serve the needs of the Crown Court, the High Court and the county court. Twenty-four of these will be custody courts, four non-custody.
On the basis of present plans it is hoped that the courthouse will be completed by 1978.