§ Mr. Alex Carlileasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further measures are proposed to ensure that defendants held in custody are tried as soon as possible after committal proceedings; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorWe shall continue to seek ways of reducing the length of time prisoners spend on remand in custody awaiting trial. In the Crown court, additional judges have been appointed; new court rooms opened; and cases transferred between courts in order that they may be heard more quickly. The court building programme is planned to continue throughout the decade. My right hon. and learned Friend is keeping a close watch on the situation.