§ Mr. Berminghamasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) in what percentage of contested cases there were acquittals in the magistrates courts in England and Wales in 1983, 1984 and 1985, respectively;
(2) in what percentage of all cases there were convictions in England and Wales in magistrates courts in 1983, 1984 and 1985.
§ Mr. MellorI have been asked to reply and will do so as soon as possible.
§ Mr. Berminghamasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what percentage of all cases were convicted in Crown courts in England and Wales in 1983, 1984 and 1985.
§ The Attorney-GeneralI have been asked to reply. The percentage of defendants dealt with in the Crown court in England and Wales who were convicted on all or some counts was 79 per cent. in 1983, 79 per cent. in 1984 and 80 per cent. in 1985. These figures include defendants pleading guilty to all or some counts. These alone accounted for 65 per cent., 67 per cent. and 67 per cent. respectively of all defendants dealt with in these years.