§ 31. Mr. Crispin Blunt (Reigate)How the Council of Circuit Judges' views are taken into account in respect of proposed changes in the work of the courts. [109644]
§ The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (Jane Kennedy)The Council of Circuit Judges, as I have said, is, like other interested groups, consulted on proposed changes to the operation of the Crown and county courts. Their views are taken into account with the other responses that are received, and they receive the same careful consideration as those of other consultees. Consultation is carried out in various 1366 ways—for example, by sending copies of consultation papers for comment, or by inviting circuit judges to sit on project boards.
§ Mr. BluntWhy does the hon. Lady believe that there is such concern among circuit judges that their views are not being taken into account?
§ Jane KennedyThe hon. Gentleman and his hon. Friends have made a series of representations on this subject. Such a concern has not previously been expressed to me. We will take on board the comments that have been made—we take them seriously, as they purport to be representative of circuit judges. I will make every effort to reassure circuit judges on the serious way in which their concerns are taken on board by the Department.