Practice Directions

The Creutzfeld Jacob Disease litigation

1.All proceedings in which the plaintiff claims damages against the Secretary of State for Health in respect of treatment with Hartree processed Human Growth Hormone and who has either:  (i) developed Creutzfeld Jacob Disease (CJD) as a consequence  or (ii) developed a psychiatric illness as a consequence of learning that they may develop CJD  should be commenced by writ issued out of the Central Office of the Queen's Bench Division of the High Court. 

All such actions which have either started in a District Registry or in a county court shall be transferred forthwith to the Royal Courts of Justice. The Court on considering the transfer of any actions will have regard to any prejudice a party may suffer as to costs. 

2.All writs, pleadings and orders shall be marked on the top left hand side "CJD Litigation". 

3. The Senior Master shall be the assigned Master and the Honourable Mr Justice Morland shall be the assigned judge. 

4. This Practice Direction applies to all actions irrespective of the value of the plaintiff's claim.  

5. This Direction in respect of transfers from the county court has the approval of the Lord Chancellor.
  
The Lord Chief Justice
30 July 1998