24. To ask the Solicitor-General what the early findings are of the Criminal Justice: Simple, Speedy, Summary pilots on speeding up prosecutions in north Northamptonshire. (146042)

The Criminal Justice: Simple, Speedy, Summary Process was introduced in three magistrates courts in North Northamptonshire on 4 June 2007. These were Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough. The implementation was effected smoothly, but it is too soon to be able to identify any findings. The process was successfully piloted in four other sites. I have visited courts in Coventry and London recently where there is real enthusiasm about the benefits of CJSSS. It is being rolled out across the country this year.