§ 25. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made since before the Christmas adjournment in reducing the average period for which prisoners in Northern Ireland are held under remand without being brought to trial.
§ Mr. Concannon:As the Belfast City Commission only reopened on 9th January 1979, it is too early to attempt a fresh assessment of the length of time for which prisoners are held on remand. Progress has been made in setting up the new arraingment procedure referred to in my speech to the House on 6th December 1978 and I hope it will come into operation later this month.