§ Mr. Douglas-Mannasked the Attorney-General what is the average length of time that elapses between the issue and hearing date of a summons for directions in a civil action in the Central Office of the Queen's Bench Division of the High Court; and what is the comparable length of time between the issue and hearing of any other interlocutory summons in such an action.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe average length of time that elapses between the issue and hearing of a summons for directions in a civil action in the Central Office of the Queen's Bench Division of the High Court is 11–12 weeks. The comparable length of time between issue and hearing of any other interlocutory summons in such an action is six weeks.
§ Mr. Douglas-Mannasked the Attorney-General what is the average length of time that elapses between the setting down and the hearing of a contested civil action in the Queen's Bench Division of the High Court when the action is to be tried in London; and what is the comparable length of time when the action is to be tried elsewhere.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe only figures available are those for all civil actions, no matter how disposed of, and the year 1974 is the last period for which an average over 12 months is available. In 1974 the average time that elapsed between setting down and disposal, whether after trial or otherwise, of civil actions in the Queen's Bench Division was 11 months in London and seven 209W months elsewhere. The interval fluctuates during the year. For July, the last month in 1975 for which figures are available, it was 7.3 months for London and 7.5 months for the provinces.