§ Mr. Wareingasked the Secretary of state for the Home Department what plans he has to change the remand system; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorMy right hon. and learned Friend intends to seek power in the Prosecution of Offences Bill to apply time limits to the preliminary stages of criminal proceedings. These would have the effect of restricting the period for which an accused may be remanded in custody. He would exercise this power only after considering the results of field trials held to test the feasibility and practical implications of particular time limits.