HC Deb 29 January 2002 vol 379 cc220-1W
Mr. Beggs

To ask the Solicitor-General what was the average time taken by the Director of Public Prosecutions to make a decision in Northern Ireland in the last 12 months; and when the Director of Public Prosecutions will issue his direction in respect of ref 875/01. [30207]

The Solicitor-General

Information maintained by the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland indicates that the average time taken between the receipt of a police investigation file and the issue of a direction as to prosecution is 38 days.

The director has sought the independent advice of senior counsel in relation to ref. 875/01 which he anticipates he will receive in February 2002. Thereafter, decisions as to prosecution will be taken as soon as possible.