To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many cases in 1997 which would normally be expected to be dealt with at Lewes Crown Court were (a) so dealt with, (b) transferred to Croydon Crown Court, (c) transferred to Chichester Crown Court and (d) otherwise transferred; and if he will make a statement. [31921]

The number of cases dealt with during 1997, as requested, were (a) 1,137, (b) 89, (c) 16 and (d) 12 respectively. The cases transferred were made in order to improve the waiting times for cases in Sussex. When transferring such cases, the interests of all concerned are taken into account.