§ Mr. BoatengTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to close small courts processing 20,000 units of work or less or small courts within 15 miles of larger courts; what number of county courts in London such a policy would leave in operation; and if he will publish his Department's full accommodation plan for the next three years and his Department's specific plans for small courts.
Mr. John M. TaylorEach case for closure is considered on its merits, taking into account the need to provide an acceptable standard of service in the area generally. The level of work load and proximity to larger courts with good facilities are factors which are taken into account. All closure proposals are subject to wide public consultation. My Department is not planning to close automatically all county courts processing 20,000 units of work or less, or small courts within 15 miles of larger courts. If such a policy were pursued none of the London county courts would be affected.
It is not intended to publish the Department's provisional accommodation plan, because some of the elements it will contain are being reviewed as part of the fundamental review of public expenditure.