§ Mr. GarnierTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will publish his strategy for the distribution of and provision of access to magistrates, crown, county and high court centres; and if he will make a statement. [49129]
§ Mr. HoonMagistrates courts are locally managed by magistrates courts committees under the provisions of the Justices of the Peace Act 1997. Decisions concerning the future and number of magistrates courts in their area are for the relevant MCC to determine. A local authority that contributes financially may appeal to the Lord Chancellor against a proposed closure. The procedure for such appeals is set out in section 56 of the Justices of the Peace Act 1997. In the absence of an appeal, however, the Lord Chancellor plays no part in the process.
The Court Service Agency is responsible for all civil and the higher criminal courts. It keeps court accommodation under constant review. In relation to the civil courts the Lord Chancellor is considering how and when the current changes in the working methods and procedures might create opportunities for better use of resources whilst maintaining similar or improved levels of facilities and services. No major changes to the current number or distribution of criminal centres are planned.
§ Mr. GarnierTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what criteria in respect of the public's travelling time, distance and cost he takes into account when considering the closure of any court. [49126]
§ Mr. HoonThere are no specific cost or time thresholds which need to be breached before a closure proposal would be refused. Whilst distance and cost are important considerations, public facilities at the courts,380W waiting times, workload levels, and the overall standard of service which can be made available over the area as a whole also need to be taken into account.