§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many cases are currently proceeding against Her Majesty's Government at the European Court of Justice.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggFour.
§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the waiting time for cases, involving Her Majesty's Government, to be judged by the European Court of Justice, over the past seven years; and what is the expected waiting time for cases commencing(a) this year and (b) in the next three years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggIt is not possible without disproportionate cost to give the waiting time for cases involving Her Majesty's Government over the past seven years. However, the court has confirmed that the average waiting time for references from all member states to the European Court in 1991 was 18.5 months, and 24.2 months for all direct actions. The average waiting time in 1992 increased to 18.8 months for references and 25.8 months for direct actions. It is not possible to make any predictions about future litigation before the European Court of Justice.