To ask the Solicitor-General what targets were set by the CPS in 2002–03 to deal with prosecution cases in a timely and efficient manner in partnership with other agencies; and what the performance results are against these targets. [128716]

In 2002–03, the Crown Prosecution Service set two targets in order to deal with prosecution cases in a timely and efficient manner in partnership with other agencies.The first target was to send 80 per cent. of committal papers to the defence within 14 days (10 days in custody cases) of receipt from the police of a full file for committal certified as trial ready. The target was achieved in 86.7 per cent. of cases.The second target was to deliver 84 per cent. of briefs to counsel within 14 days of committal or transfer (21 days in non-standard fee cases). The target was achieved in 86.6 per cent. of cases.