§ Mr. Pattieasked the Attorney-General how many pleas of ancillary relief are awaiting a hearing at the High Court.
§ Mr. Arthur DavidsonOn 20th January 1978, there were approximately 1,800 applications outstanding at the Principal Registry of the Family Division.
§ Mr. Pattieasked the Attorney-General what is the average length of time elapsing between application and hearing of pleas for ancillary relief.
§ Mr. Arthur DavidsonApproximately four months.
§ Mr. Pattieasked the Attorney-General what action he proposes to take to reduce the backlog of pleas for ancillary relief now awaiting determination.
§ Mr. Arthur DavidsonMy noble Friend the Lord Chancellor has recently appointed a temporary registrar to assist at the Principal Registry. The backlog of applications has fallen from over 2,500 on 19th December last to approximately 1,800 on 20th January and the waiting time is being steadily reduced.