§ 30. Mr. Andrew Robathan (Blaby)When he next intends to visit Lutterworth magistrates court to discuss the work of magistrates courts. [49903]
§ The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (Mr. Geoffrey Hoon)I have no immediate plans to visit Lutterworth magistrates court, not least because it will close at the end of next week. The decision to close the court was taken by Leicestershire magistrates courts committee following extensive local consultation, particularly with Leicestershire county council. It is perhaps significant that, as a result of that consultation, Leicestershire county council decided not to exercise its right of appeal against the closure. In the absence of an appeal, I have no opportunity to intervene.
§ Mr. RobathanAs the Minister so rightly said, Lutterworth magistrates court is closing at the end of next week. We have corresponded on this matter. Is he aware that local justice has been administered in Lutterworth for more than 500 years? Is he further aware that there is no reliable public transport between Lutterworth and Harborough or between Lutterworth and Leicester, which are the alternatives for court cases? Lutterworth is a bigger town than it has ever been, and it is still growing. Does the Minister believe in local justice being administered locally? Will he intervene at the eleventh hour—indeed, at one minute to midnight? He says that he has no powers, but he is the Minister, so who else can intervene if he cannot? The soon to be ennobled William Bach, who is a local resident in the Lutterworth area, has also made representations as a district councillor.
§ Mr. HoonI have made it clear that I have no power to intervene under the legislation that governs the way in which magistrates courts and magistrates courts committees operate, which was introduced by the previous Administration and for which the hon. Gentleman voted. I am sorry to tell him that, even at the eleventh hour, I am not in a position to intervene in this matter.