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31.
Mr. Steen
To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what steps he is taking to expedite trials in criminal cases. [65858]
Mr. Hoon
The Government are taking significant steps to reduce delay in criminal cases.
The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 contains measures to improve case management and bailed defendants will appear in court on the first available day after charge. In addition, fast tracking schemes are being introduced to halve the time from arrest to sentence for persistent young offenders.
The Access to Justice Bill improves publicly funded criminal defence services through the introduction of contracting as well as taking powers to employ salaried defenders.