The backlog of Law Commission reports awaiting either implementation or a government decision on whether to accept their recommendations continues to increase, the commission's annual report has shown.

As at the end of March 2003, 17 reports had been accepted by the government in full or in part, with legislation yet to be introduced, while a further 13 awaited decisions.

In January 2002, 12 reports had been accepted but not implemented, while the government had not made a decision on 15 more, an overall increase on previous years.

It also emerged that the long-awaited report on reform of general partnership law - a project begun in 2000 - is due to be published by March 2004.