§ Mr. ThurnhamTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what steps he is taking to speed up the process of administration in the courts; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. John TaylorSeveral steps are presently being taken to improve the process of administration in the courts.
In the Crown court, the recommendations of two major reports are being implemented or considered. The first is the inter-agency report of the pre-trial issues (PTI) working group issued in 1990 and which was presented to Parliament in February 1991. The second is the Royal Commission on Criminal Justice published in July this year.
In the magistrates courts a number of initiatives are being taken to reduce delays and waiting times. They include legislative amendments and the promotion of good practice in concert with all the criminal justice agencies. A standard computer system is being developed, as are changes to the management structure of courts, both of which will bring operational benefits.
In the county courts, centralised computer systems are being developed. These include a project to centralise the handling of payments under county court attachment of earnings orders.