§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Solicitor-General if he will set out, including statistical information relating as directly as possible to the South Shields constituency, the effects on South Shields of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [153082]
§ The Solicitor-GeneralIn 1999, in line with national policy, the Wearside branch of the Crown Prosecution Service, in liaison with the police, South Tyneside magistrates court and the defence, introduced the Narey proposals. All defendants charged with a criminal offence where a guilty plea is anticipated now make their first appearance before South Shield magistrates court within five working days. All other cases appear in court within 48 hours. Present figures suggest that 50 per cent. of all defendants have their cases finalised far more quickly than previously was the case.
In April 2001, Crown Prosecution Service Northumbria will be altering its structure in line with the proposals of the Glidewell review. This will enable the Crown Prosecution Service to place greater emphasis on the more serious crime cases in Newcastle Crown court. The Crown Prosecution Service, together with other agencies, also helped to draw up a protocol with social services relating to unused material which assists in expediting cases involving child witnesses. The Crown Prosecution Service also has a "fast track" procedure for persistent young offenders cases with the Crown court and youth courts. All these changes illustrate the Government's successful policy of speeding up the work of the criminal justice system.
Since May 1997, the Crown Prosecution Service has successfully prosecuted a number of cases arising in the South Shields area. Of particular note is a "sting operation", set up by undercover police officers in South Shields, in the spring of 1998. This resulted in the recovery of thousands of pounds worth of stolen property and the convictions of 35 defendants who were sentenced to long terms of imprisonment, two of them for 11 years and 12 years respectively. In January 2000, the Crown Prosecution Service also successfully prosecuted two juveniles for the murder of a 46-year-old man in the South Shields area. Following a trial at Newcastle Crown court, they were both convicted of murder and detained during Her Majesty's pleasure.
Actions and policies of the Treasury Solicitor's Department and the Serious Fraud Office affect my right hon. Friend's constituency only indirectly.