§ 42. Mr. Bob RussellTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will(a) meet a deputation from the Association of Essex Councils over the closure of magistrates courts in Essex and (b) halt the closures pending a policy review involving the association. [45613]
§ Mr. Hoon(a) During the course of this appeal I have already met with both parties and three local MPs. Essex County Council and Braintree and Uttlesford District Councils have been fully involved throughout.(b) Closures cannot be halted for any reason other than a successful appeal in accordance with section 56 of the Justices of the Peace Act 1997 from a magistrates' courts committee's determination or by the rescinding of such a determination by the magistrates' courts committee. The Lord Chancellor has no plans to conduct a policy review.