§ Mr. Ridsdaleasked the Attorney-General whether the time taken over the case of A. Caville v. Taylor was normal; whether similar cases are now taking such a time; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe case of Caville v. Taylor was heard seven months after it had been set down for trial. This is a rather shorter period than the current average for cases of this nature, where alleged misrepresentation is involved, which is about 11 months from setting down to trial.
Although my noble Friend has no responsibility for any period which may elapse before a civil action is set down for trial, he is in process of considering whether, and if so how, the courts should exercise a greater measure of control over the progress of civil litigation from the time a writ or summons is issued.