Written question asked by Graham Allen (Labour) on Wednesday, 14 May 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 20 May 2003. It was answered by Yvette Cooper (Labour) on Tuesday, 20 May 2003 on behalf of the Lord Chancellor's Department.

Lord Chancellors Dept

Question: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, What steps the Lord Chancellor is taking to reduce delays in cases caused by lawyers unreasonably requiring witnesses repeatedly to attend court. (Failed OPQ).

Answer: Mr. Allen: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what steps the Lord Chancellor is taking to reduce delays in cases caused by lawyers unreasonably requiring witnesses repeatedly to attend court. [114241] Yvette Cooper: Witnesses are usually only required to attend court on the day the case is listed for trial. However, occasionally the needs of justice may require adjournment of a case to allow for re-examination of a witness. An adjournment would only be made on the request of the parties and it would be entirely a matter for the judge hearing the case to decide whether or not such a request was reasonable. Judges are mindful of the distress and inconvenience that can be caused by delay and wherever possible will work to avoid unnecessary adjournments.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 405 c659W;405 c657W; 114241
Session: 2002-03
Question not reached: Yes
Subjects: Criminal proceedings Courts Administrative delays Witnesses Trials
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk