§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to reduce the number of people held on remand.
§ Mr. John PattenWe are taking steps to reduce both the number of people remanded in custody and the time taken to deal with cases. In many areas, the probation service is providing Crown prosecutors with better information on defendants through bail information schemes. This will help prosecutors to decide whether they need oppose bail. Resources are being provided over three financial years for the creation of about 500 new bail places at approved hostels.
Magistrates and their clerks have been urged to concentrate on reducing delays. A management information system is being introduced to help magistrates' courts monitor their performance. We intend to extend further the operation of custody time limits later this year.
My noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor has taken steps to tackle delays in the Crown court through the provision of more resources and improved management. Additional judges have been appointed and new court rooms have been opened. The reclassification of certain offences under the Criminal Justice Act 1988 should help to ease pressure on the Crown court.