§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Attorney-General (1) what training is given to court staff to assist them in advising plaintiffs intending to make small claims for personal injury;
(2) what training is given to court staff to help them advise plaintiffs in small claims procedures.
§ The Attorney-GeneralA range of training courses, covering the various steps of civil business procedures, are available to staff in the county courts. This enables staff to assist litigants with court procedure.
§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Attorney-General what advice is given to court staff about referral of personal injury case plaintiffs to specialist legal assistance.
§ The Attorney-GeneralVery few personal injury cases are presently commenced without professional help. Training given enables staff to assist litigants with procedural advice.
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§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Attorney-General if he will bring forward proposals to extend to England and Wales the provision applicable in Northern Ireland for courts to obtain and pay for expert medical and other reports in small claims personal injury cases.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThere is presently nothing which compels personal injury claimants to use the small claims procedure and therefore no need for such a provision. Should the policy change, this possibility would be considered.
§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Attorney-General how many court staff received training in(a) small claims procedures and (b) personal injury cases in each of the last five years.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThis information could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. As a matter of principle, all county court staff receive training which enables them to assist litigants with procedures in civil litigation.