§ 37. Mr. SpringTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the importance of retaining small, rural magistrates courts. [403]
§ Mr. HoonMagistrates courts are provided by the local paying authority for the use of the magistrates courts committee. Closure decisions are for the MCC to determine, although the paying authority may appeal to my right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor against a proposed closure. Each case will be dealt with on its merits.