Lord Campbell of Croyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are still in favour of special courts being open late at night in order to deal expeditiously with alleged drunkenness and violence. [HL2196]
§ The Lord Chancellor (Lord Irvine of Lairg)The Government still plan pilot studies for extending court sitting hours and to evaluate whether they represent value for money. In particular, attention will be on the effect extended hours will have on delays, deterring local criminals, improving access to justice and helping reassure local communities. Planning is underway involving all criminal justice partners in London and Manchester. Details for the Manchester scheme were announced in a press notice issued on 11 January 2002 and it is expected that particulars of the London scheme will be released soon. Both are currently planned to start in the spring. It has always been the intention to exclude defendants who are incapable from alcohol or drugs from the pilots.