HC Deb 03 April 2001 vol 366 c102W
Mr. Stunell

To ask the Solicitor-General if he will set out, including statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Haze1 Grove constituency, the effects on Hazel Grove of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [156185]

The Solicitor-General

In November 1999, in line with national policy the Stockport/Sale branch of the Crown Prosecution Service introduced procedures based upon the Narey proposals. It did this in liaison with the Greater Manchester police and the Stockport magistrates court.

All adult defendants charged with a criminal offence now make the first appearance before Stockport magistrates court within 96 hours. The present figures suggest that between 40 per cent. and 45 per cent. of all defendants have their case finalised more quickly than previously was the case.

In January 2001, in line with national policy and new legislation, the CPS and the magistrates court started sending the most serious (indictable) cases to the Crown court within one week of the first appearance in the magistrates court. Henceforth, Crown court judges will monitor the progress of these cases and it is anticipated that they should also be finalised more quickly than previously.

So far as youth offenders are concerned, the CPS—together with the police, the magistrates courts and the local youth offending team—have agreed procedures designed to bring persistent youth offenders before the court much more quickly. They are working towards the Government's 71-day target for disposing of such cases. Protocols have also been designed to bring all youth offenders before the Crown court much more quickly.

All these changes illustrate the Government's successful policy of speeding up the criminal justice system.

Since May 1997, the Stockport team of the Stockport/Sale branch has successfully prosecuted a number of high-profile cases, including several murders, attempted murders and drug-related offences. On Friday 23 March 2001, a 16-year-o1d youth was found guilty of attempted murder and aggravated burglary on 87-year-old, Miss Edith Champman, of Hazel Grove. The defendant has been remanded in secure accommodation for reports to be prepared before he is sentenced. In October 2000, Ian Morrison was found guilty of the attempted murder of his ex-wife and two police officers and attempted wounding with intent of a third police officer. He was sentenced to a total of 16 years' imprisonment.

Actions and policies of the Treasury Solicitor's Department and the Serious Fraud Office do not directly affect the hon. Member's constituency.