HL Deb 03 May 1989 vol 507 cc248-9WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the average period of time elapsing between the initiation of proceedings and the hearing of the case in:

  1. (a) Civil and commercial cases in the High Court;
  2. (b) Cases for judicial review of central or Local government actions or decisions;
and whether there are time limits in either category of action.

The Lord Chancellor (Lord Mackay of Clashfern)

(a) The average period of time elapsing between the initiation of proceedings and trial in the Queen's Bench Division in 1988 was 148.8 weeks. Comparative data for the Chancery Division is not available and could not be provided without disproportionate cost. In the commercial court the average waiting time in 1988 was 81 weeks. (b) Separate data is not maintained for central or local government reviews, but the average waiting time for all judicial review cases from issue of proceedings to the date of hearing is currently 36 weeks.

Time limits apply at various stages of civil and commercial actions for judicial reviews.