asked the Attorney-General what is the average delay in the payment of Crown court fees to junior counsel briefed by the Crown prosecution service; and if he will make a statement.

Figures are at present not available. However, the target of the Crown prosecution service is to make payment of Crown court fees to junior counsel briefed by the Crown prosecution service within 10 days of the receipt of an agreed invoice; that target is already being achieved in the majority of the areas of the CPS. Ultimately it is expected that payment will be achieved within five days.