§ Mr. Alex Carlileasked the Attorney-General if he is able to give any figures for the amount of money spent hitherto by Crown prosecutors on the employment of solicitors as agents in the magistrates courts; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe Crown Prosecution Service was introduced into the six former metropolitan counties of Greater Manchester, Merseyside, South Yorkshire, Tyne and Wear, West Midlands and West Yorkshire, and in the counties of Durham and Northumberland, on 1 April 1986. Payments by the Crown Prosecution Service in respect of the engagement of solicitors as agents in the magistrates courts in those areas during the period 1 April to the 11 July was £225,824. This figure does not include outstanding accounts for solicitors engaged during the period quoted which have either not yet been submitted or await payment.