§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the average length of remands in Northern Ireland at the present time; how many 27W persons are on remand at the moment; what action is proposed to improve the situation and to reduce the period before a case comes for trial; and if he will make a statement.
The Attorney-GeneralI have been asked to reply.
In respect of persons who were brought to trial before the Belfast City Commission in custody during the month of September, the average period spent in custody before trial was 35.5 weeks. The average period for those who appeared for trial on bail was 39.1 weeks. There are at present 564 persons in custody awaiting trial, and 493 persons on bail awaiting trial. Since the opening of the Belfast City Commission on 2nd September, three courts have sat on most days and have disposed of 193 criminal cases, involving 292 accused, up to and including the week ending 25th October. Since the beginning of this year the Belfast City Commission has disposed of a total of 689 cases involving 1,038 accused. Arrangements have been made for five courts to sit daily on and after 12th November next and this should result in an increase in the rate of disposal of criminal cases.