HC Deb 06 March 1995 vol 256 cc2-3W
Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make it his policy to ensure that civil proceedings in respect of which the causes of action arise in the counties of Clwyd, Gwynedd, Powys and Cheshire can be tried at all stages within the Mold/Chester group of courts; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John M. Taylor

Rules of court govern the venue for commencement of civil proceedings. Once a case is under way it may be automatically transferred to the court where the defendant lives, or, by order of a judge, to any other court. In the light of these rules, it is not possible to say that all cases where the cause of action arises in the counties listed will be tried in the Mold/Chester group of courts.

Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on the future venues for civil proceedings in respect of which the causes of action arise in the counties of Clwyd, Gwynedd, Powys and Cheshire.

Mr. John M. Taylor

The Lord Chancellor has no current proposals to change the venue rules. Any proposed changes in the future will be subject to the usual consultation process.