§ 35. Mr. Michael Fabricant (Lichfield)If he will make a statement regarding the location of county courts in Staffordshire. [84164]
§ The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (Mr. Keith Vaz)There are five county courts in Staffordshire: Burton-upon-Trent, Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent, Tamworth and Lichfield.
§ Mr. FabricantMay I say how pleased I am to see the hon. Gentleman in his position—in my view, it is two years overdue? He knows from our correspondence over the past few days that the future of the Lichfield county court is at risk. Does he agree that there is a role for a partnership between magistrates courts and county courts, if they can save costs by sharing the same buildings?
§ Mr. VazI thank the hon. Gentleman for his kind comments. I shall miss him in the lifts at Norman Shaw North. One of the first letters that I received, inherited from my predecessor, was his letter. With his silver tongue, as he demonstrated today, he obviously persuaded my predecessor of the need to defer the closure of the court. He has an absolute assurance from me that nothing will happen until the three-month period is over. I know that he has ensured that there will be a meeting on 28 May, and I congratulate him on convening it. I await with great interest the outcome of that meeting, which will keep me informed. I shall then let the hon. Gentleman know my final decision.