HC Deb 24 February 1998 vol 307 cc153-4W
Miss McIntosh

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many representations he has received on the reorganisation of magistrates' courts in North Yorkshire. [31024]

Mr. Hoon

My Department is currently dealing with two matters relating to the reorganisation of North Yorkshire Magistrates' Courts Committee's area. On the application to reorganise the petty sessional divisions within North Yorkshire's area, we have received 59 representations. In relation to the proposed closure of Ripon Magistrates' Court we have received 275 representations. 30 further representations were made which jointly concerned both these matters.

The overall aim is to use the resources available to provide a comprehensive service through a network of courts over a given area.

Mr. Paul Marsden

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what unused capacity is available at(a) Ludlow and (b) Oswestry County Courts. [30185]

Mr. Hoon

At Ludlow, which has no courtroom, the judge's chambers are unused for 85 per cent. of the available time. At Oswestry, the courtroom is unused for 98.5 per cent. of the available time and the judge's chambers are unused for 75 per cent. of the available time.

Mr. Paul Marsden

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what volume of work was undertaken in(a) Ludlow and (b) Oswestry County Courts in each year since 1980 [30180]

Mr. Hoon

The information for 1980 to 1997 is as follows. Figures prior to 1987 are only available as a total for England and Wales.