§ Mr. Matthew BanksTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to amend paragraph 4a of order 19, rule 2 of the county court rules, in line with Lord Woolf's recommendation on the scope for district judges to transfer difficult cases of the small claims procedure. [35231]
Mr. John M. TaylorThe Lord Chancellor considers it would be appropriate to widen the discretion of the district judge to transfer cases out of the small claims jurisdiction when the new "fast track" procedure recommended by Lord Woolf is implemented. To make this amendment prior to the introduction of the "fast1014W track" would reduce litigants' certainty as to the level of costs for which they may become liable.
§ Mr. BanksTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the new measures he intends to introduce in line with Lord Woolf's recommendations to ensure that district judges are properly trained to handle small claims; when these measures will start to take effect; and what account will be taken of increases in the small claims limit in determining the date of commencement. [35232]
Mr. TaylorThe Judicial Studies Board is responsible for the training of district judges. It is currently considering the need for training in handling small claims.