Clause 22
Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Bill
2:30 pm
Vera Baird (Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs; Redcar, Labour)
The explanatory notes make it clear—and they are right—that the important underlying principle is that the laws should be put together so that justice is done and the tribunal system is accessible and fair. It is a curious idea that if it can also be quick and efficient there is somehow a clash between the two. Justice delayed is well known to be justice denied, so we intend to deliver the process as speedily as is compatible with our obligations under the first two rules. To equate efficiency with not giving due care to justice seems an over-urgently arrived at elision. The word “and” and not “or” appears in all the provisions, which will need to be compatible with one another. There is no clash between them, and they are all very desirable.