HC Deb 21 May 2002 vol 386 cc285-6W
Andrew Mackinlay

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department for what reason the Jury Central Summoning Bureau in Pocock Street SE1 is using last year's electoral roll for Thurrock when selecting jurors; what year's electoral rolls are being used for these purposes in respect of other local authority areas; and if he will make a statement. [58336]

Mr. Wills

Last year's electoral rolls are being used for summoning jurors in all areas of England and Wales.

Current data from local authorities is still being received, checked and collated before entry on to the system. This will begin, for those areas where data sets are complete, in the near future although specific dates have yet to be arranged.

Andrew Mackinlay

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on the cause and extent of delay in the despatch of summons following their issue by the summoning officer at the Jury Central Summoning Bureau based at Pocock Street, London; and if he will make a statement. [58337]

Mr. Wills

Summonses are sent by electronic transfer from the Bureau to a print centre for despatch by second class post within 2 working days of generation.

Confusion has arisen because summonses were endorsed with the date on which they were generated rather than the date on which they were despatched. The anticipated date of despatch, 2 days after generation, has been endorsed on summonses since 7 May to overcome this.