§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department in respect of reserved judgments in the High Court for each of the last three years,(a) what was the longest period of time between conclusion of submissions and delivery of judgment, (b) what was the average period and (c) in how many cases judgment was reserved for over one month; what guidance he issues on the length of the period between the conclusion of submissions and the delivery of judgment in the High Court; what plans he has to introduce systems to ensure the prompt delivery of judgment; how much has 520W been paid, earmarked, or is estimated as likely to be paid in compensation due to delayed judgments; and if he will make a statement. [124880]
§ Jane KennedyThe Court Service has kept no information centrally in respect of reserved judgments over the past three years. The information could not be collected except at disproportionate cost to taxpayers.
The Lord Chancellor does not give guidance on the length of the period between the conclusion of submissions and the delivery of judgment in the High Court. He has, however, agreed with the senior judiciary that in future they will make known to him any reserved judgment which is outstanding after three months, providing an explanation of the delay and the measures which will be taken in order to ensure delivery of the judgment.
There has been no claim for compensation due to delayed judgments within the Supreme Court Group. However, the Lord Chancellor's Department expects to receive claims for compensation in respect of one case from the Supreme Court Group and one High Court case on Circuit. The amount of any compensation that may be paid for these two cases is unknown at present and no funds have been earmarked for this purpose.