§ 40. Mr. KidneyTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what measures her Department is taking to promote alternative dispute resolution. [17529]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonWork is currently in hand to promote the use of ADR across Government, following the Government's pledge that all Departments and agencies will use ADR in suitable cases wherever the other party accepts it. Guidelines on the use of ADR, including the provision of appropriate clauses in standard procurement contracts, are currently being drawn up by the Office of Government Commerce, in collaboration with this Department. Last month my Department also organised a conference for Government lawyers on the use of ADR. In December the Lord Chancellor will launch a mediation scheme based at Birmingham civil justice centre.