§ Ms KeebleTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs (1) if he will make a statement on the action he is taking to improve the administration of rape cases in Northamptonshire; [161635]
(2) what steps he is taking to prevent delays in court hearings of rape cases. [161636]
§ Mr. LeslieThe listing of cases in the courts is a judicial function, although the administration of the task is delegated to an official who operates within parameters set by and in accordance with the policy established by the judiciary. Top priority is always given to the early allocation of a fixed date for the trial of rape cases in the Crown Court. Court staff make every effort to try to ensure that the trial goes ahead on the date and at the time specified, so that the parties and their witnesses are not brought to court unnecessarily. The Effective Trial Management Programme is also working to improve case preparation and progression, to achieve successful outcomes.
380WThe situation in this respect applies to Northamptonshire eases as it does to cases proceeding in all other venues of the Crown Court.